The management and brokerage of real estate financing, as well as the optimization of clients' creditworthiness, are highly complex tasks.

In addition to negotiating favorable interest rates, terms and discounts against broker quotas, factors such as the client's specific needs, the stability of the financial institutions involved, and industry forecasts also play a crucial role. Each of these elements can potentially influence the final outcome.

To ensure successful financing, it is essential to understand the lending practices of banks and their calculation methods. Furthermore, thorough knowledge of both the general real estate market and the regional property market is required so that the loan can be granted under advantageous conditions — based on the true value of the selected property.

This constellation is absolutely essential for a long-term and valuable investment.

From 18 years of age (legally competent persons)

• Main residence in Austria

• 10–20% equity depending on valuation result and/or additional collateral (Austrian or foreign properties in HU, SLO, HR)

• Payslips from the last 3 months

• Bank statements from the last 3 months

• Copy of ID

• Copy of registration certificate

• Property exposé (if through an agent)

• Land register excerpt, floor plan, energy certificate and photos (if private purchase)

• Construction plan, elevation plan, land register excerpt of the building plot (if construction project)

• Cost calculation and/or construction offer (if construction project)

• Property transfer tax 3.5%

• Land register entry 1.1%

• Mortgage registration 1.2%

• Legal fees 1–2%

• Notary fees 0.5%

• Commission 3.6%

Credit check by phone and online

• Consultation on suitable properties, pros and cons of different types, key aspects, hidden risks, and full process management from A to Z

• Property valuation through partner banks

• Price negotiation with the seller

• Support with submitting and accepting the offer

• Assistance throughout the purchase process until land register entry

• Insurance

Joint property viewing and mediation between buyer and seller

• Condition assessment and determination of renovation needs

• Tax advisory for investors

• Engagement of a law and notary office: drafting a purchase contract at a favorable price, setting up an escrow account, tax refund assistance, handling the purchase price transfer between parties, and land register entry

In cases of higher equity or the transfer of larger amounts of money, the following AML (Anti-Money Laundering) regulations must be considered in advance to avoid inconveniences caused by potential audits due to deficiencies:

Cash Transactions:

• Import and export of cash within the EU with a threshold of 10,000 euros: According to EU Regulation (EU 2018/1672), any import or export of cash amounting to 10,000 euros or more must be declared in writing to the competent customs authority. This rule also applies in Austria. Therefore, any traveler carrying at least 10,000 euros in cash (or the equivalent in foreign currency, securities, gold, etc.) when entering or leaving the EU is required to declare it to customs in advance. The authority is entitled to withhold undeclared cash and initiate procedures under anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing regulations.

• Cash payments in commercial transactions (domestic): According to the Austrian Trade Regulation Act (GewO, 1994 §§ 365m1 – 365z), all traders and service providers are required to take anti-money laundering measures when accepting or making cash payments of 10,000 euros or more. For example, a car dealer must identify customers who purchase a vehicle in cash for more than 10,000 euros, conduct a risk assessment, and keep records. The same applies to the cash sale of other valuable goods (jewelry, artworks, electronic devices, etc.). From 10,000 euros in cash, customer identification through documents is mandatory. Important: This 10,000 euro limit applies exclusively to cash transactions in trade. Payments by credit card or bank transfer are not subject to this requirement.

• Art and antiques trade: Since the extension of the 5th EU AML Directive (EU 2018/843), dealers of valuable artworks (galleries, auction houses) are also subject to anti-money laundering obligations. In this sector, customer identification through documents is mandatory for transactions with a total value of 10,000 euros or more, regardless of whether payment is made in cash or by transfer. Therefore, anyone purchasing artwork for 10,000 euros or more should expect the seller to verify their identity and, if suspicious circumstances arise, report the transaction.

• Reporting obligation: Transactions over 10,000 euros do not need to be automatically reported to the authorities unless there are suspicious circumstances. However, for cash transactions exceeding 10,000 euros, identification and documentation of the transaction are mandatory in order to detect suspicious cases. Furthermore, starting in 2027, the EU will prohibit cash payments over 10,000 euros across the Union, meaning such transactions can no longer be legally conducted in cash.

Bank Transactions:

Over 10.000 EUR:

• For bank transfers over 10,000 euros, the EU regulations on the traceability of money transfers (EU 2015/847) apply.

• Banks must screen customers according to the "Know Your Customer" (KYC) principle.

• From 15,000 euros, the relationship between sender and recipient is automatically reviewed (this threshold will drop to 10,000 euros in 2027).

• Customer identification is mandatory for each transaction unless there is an existing business relationship between the parties.

• If transfers are made in several partial amounts, the total sum is taken into account, especially if there is suspicion of "structuring" to bypass the limits. The review period is usually 30–90–180 days but may vary depending on the risk assessment.

Over 25.000 EUR:

25,000 euros is not a legal limit, but an established practice in the financial sector. Banks already carry out enhanced due diligence (EDD) at this level, especially for international transfers.

• Increasingly, banks require proof of the source of funds for such amounts (e.g. purchase agreement, proof of inheritance, invoice, etc.).

• The Financial Action Task Force (FATF) maintains lists of countries with deficiencies in anti-money laundering measures. These can be checked at https://www.fatf-gafi.org/en/home.html.

• Transactions with such countries may face restrictions, additional checks, or even a complete block.

Over 50.000 EUR:

• Automatic reporting to the Austrian Ministry of Finance (BMF) for larger cross-border or domestic transfers.

• If a transaction is suspicious, it must be reported to the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) (https://www.bundeskriminalamt.at/308/start.aspx).

Stricter Regulations from 2027:

• As of July 10, 2027, the review threshold for bank transactions will be reduced from 15,000 euros to 10,000 euros (EU 2024/1624).

• Cash payments over 10,000 euros will be prohibited.

What happens if the source of funds cannot be proven?

• Banks may freeze the account until the source of funds is clarified. If the explanation is insufficient or not provided, this may lead to criminal consequences.

• Banks are not exempt either: violations can result in fines, loss of license, or criminal liability for those responsible.

Further documents on this topic can be found at the bottom of the page.