In real estate law, clear contracts, legally compliant processes and economically sound solutions are what count. Whether fiduciary handling, review of rental and purchase agreements (contract law), support in matters relating to brokerage law, tenancy law, construction law or other real estate issues:
Our Vienna-based law firm specializes in real estate and property law and knows the needs of SMEs, family businesses, start-ups and expanding companies. We provide you with competent and reliable support.
Many people rely on a general legal advisor – but with a specialized law firm like ours, you benefit from tailor-made advice that focuses on your budget and your goals. With many years of experience and a high level of commitment, we are committed to you and your company – in Vienna, Austria and throughout Europe.
Our services relating to real estate law
Our services relating to real estate law
Whether buying, selling, trusteeship, tenancy law, brokerage law, construction law or legal conflicts – sound legal advice is the be-all and end-all when it comes to real estate law. The focus and services of our law firm in Vienna include in detail
Trusteeship
Trusteeship
Are you looking to buy or sell a property? As your trustee from Vienna, we take care of all the tasks involved in handling real estate transactions for buyers and sellers. We ensure that your real estate transaction is handled securely, transparently and in compliance with the law.
Our services as a trustee:
- Legal review of purchase offers
- Fiduciary custody and forwarding of purchase price payments
- Communication with banks, brokers and authorities
- Entries in the land register
- Registration and deletion of encumbrances (liens, servitudes, encumbrances on real property, etc.)
- Enforcement of warranty claims
- Ensuring timely and proper handover
- Detailed advice on legal opportunities and risks
Real estate brokerage law
Real estate brokerage law
As a lawyer for real estate law from Vienna, we support you in all matters relating to real estate law. Whether you work as an estate agent or have been involved in an estate agent relationship – we ensure that you act in a legally secure manner.
Our services in brokerage law:
- Advice on real estate law processes
- Review and drafting of brokerage contracts, commission agreements,
- Purchase offers, handover protocols etc.
- Legal advice on commission claims
- Support in the event of disputes between broker and client
Preparation & review of rental and lease agreements
Preparation &
Review of
rental and
lease agreements
One of our central activities in real estate law is the drafting and review of rental and lease agreements. This is where contract law becomes important. We ensure that your contracts are legally sound and sustainable in the long term – regardless of whether you are a tenant, landlord or leaseholder.
Our services at a glance:
- Legally compliant creation of individual rental and lease agreements
- Legal review of existing contracts
- Adaptation to current legal regulations
- Clarification of the rights and obligations of both contracting parties
- Support with contract negotiations
- Clarification of specific questions, e.g. on operating costs, time limits or termination regulations
- Calculation and notification of fees to the tax office
Superädifikat & building law
Superädifikat &
Building law
If legal disputes arise in connection with your property, we are at your side with our experience in real estate law. As lawyers, we are committed to representing your interests in court or in out-of-court proceedings – regardless of whether it concerns rental disputes or property issues.
The following services await you:
- Filing rent and eviction actions
- Claims for damages in the event of damage to the property
- Warranty claims for defects after purchase
- Action for partition in disputes between co-owners
- Claims for usage fees
- Tolerance or omission during conversion work
Representation and advice for property management companies
Representation and
Advice for
property management companies
At our law firm, Arnulf Schaunig and his team support property managers in all legal matters relating to residential and commercial real estate. Whether for ongoing management tasks or complex disputes – we ensure legal clarity.
Typical services for property management companies:
- Review and drafting of rental agreements
- Support in disputes
- Enforcement of outstanding receivables (debt collection)
- Advice on renovations and modernizations
- Representation in proceedings before courts and arbitration boards
- Legal support at owners’ meetings
- Fiduciary processing
Support with lawsuits and proceedings
Support with
complaints and
proceedings
If legal disputes arise in connection with your property, we are at your side with our experience in real estate law. As lawyers, we are committed to representing your interests in court or in out-of-court proceedings – regardless of whether it concerns rental disputes or property issues.
The following services await you:
- Filing rent and eviction actions
- Claims for damages in the event of damage to the property
- Warranty claims for defects after purchase
- Action for partition in disputes between co-owners
- Claims for usage fees
- Tolerance or omission during conversion work
Other support with real estate law claims
Other support with real estate law claims
In addition to contract review, trustee processing and support in real estate, construction and tenancy law, we also support you in the enforcement or defense of various real estate law claims.
Individual advice on real estate law
Individual advice on real estate law
Lawyer Arnulf Schaunig
Your advantages in our law firm
We focus on you and your rights – at our law firm in Vienna, we take time for you, listen to you and strive for long-term cooperation. You are our partner at eye level. As your lawyers, we always work honestly, authentically and reliably.
We offer our clients individual legal advice – with a focus on the goal, not the fee. We attach great importance to price transparency – whether flat rates, hourly rates, billing by tariff or contingency fees. You determine your fee model.
As an entrepreneur, you benefit from quick appointments and fast, high-quality processing of your matter. My team and I, Arnulf Schaunig, work personally, humanely and with a clear hands-on mentality.
Advantage for existing customers:
Advantage for existing customers:
Once a year we offer our existing clients a free annual meeting. This appointment lasts approx. 1 hour and takes place in our law firm in the 2nd district. As with the recurring inspection of your vehicle, we check the most important legal areas of your company, find any existing weaknesses and clarify possible optimizations – completely free of charge!
This is how our collaboration works
Why with us?
1. personal initial consultation
It all starts with a personal initial consultation in our office in Vienna. Also online on request.
You tell us your concerns, we listen to you carefully and give you an initial legal assessment. This consultation is free of charge and non-binding for you
2. individual solution
Every case is different. That’s why we develop a customized strategy and solution based on the information you provide.
In our collaboration, we take into account your business objectives and your entrepreneurial status quo – working effectively, transparently and on an equal footing.
3. legal support
We dedicate ourselves to your legal concerns: whether drafting contracts, checking claims or legal representation. We stand up for your rights with commitment and expertise.
What our clients say
What our clients say
I can recommend Mr. Schaunig without reservation. From the very beginning, I felt that I was in very good hands with him in my real estate matters. He has in-depth professional knowledge and represented my interests with great care and precision.
I particularly appreciate how he explains complex legal issues in an understandable way and how much value he places on detailed answers – he listens attentively and really takes time to answer all questions. His approach is always polite, respectful and on an equal footing, which means you never feel left alone, but always in good hands.
Last but not least, I am impressed by his availability: calls and emails are answered extremely promptly, which is very reassuring in stressful situations. Overall, a very competent, reliable and pleasant service. If you are looking for a lawyer who combines professional strength with personal support, Mr. Schaunig is the right person for you.
Gabi Weiser
Values that make the difference
Values that make the difference
Trust
There is a lot at stake in real estate law: assets, investments, economic security.
That is why your trust is our top priority.
At our law firm in Vienna, we combine knowledge of inheritance law, tenancy law, contract law and construction law to find the best solution for you.
Competence
As a specialized lawyer, we not only bring in-depth legal expertise, but also a deep understanding of the economic needs and goals of companies.
Our expertise is based on experience, ongoing training and a clear focus on results.
Excellence
Our aim is to offer more than just standard solutions. We take time for your concerns and work with a hands-on mentality.
In our law firm, excellence means that every legal solution is individual, economically sensible and sustainably effective. We strive not only to meet your expectations, but to exceed them.
In-depth expertise for complex issues
Questions and answers on real estate and property law
Yes, a lawyer is highly recommended when buying real estate. Legal protection is particularly worthwhile for large investments such as a house, apartment or plot of land in order to avoid potential pitfalls.
A real estate lawyer draws up or reviews the purchase contract, asserts your rights and ensures that the transaction is legally correct. It is particularly important to inspect the land register, check encumbrances (e.g. rights of way or mortgages) and handle the transaction in trust.
Our law firm in Vienna ensures that no legal risks are overlooked and that you as the buyer are well protected.
What must be included in the purchase contract when buying a property?
Whether you are buying an apartment, house or plot of land, the purchase contract should contain certain information. This helps to avoid legal disputes.
Important contents of the purchase contract are a detailed description of the property, the details of the buyer and seller, the purchase price and the handover date.
In addition, the absence of encumbrances and the registration of ownership in the land register must be regulated – ideally by a trustee like us. Other key points are any defects, warranty exclusions, any easements and the declaration of conveyance (seller’s consent to transfer of ownership).
The distribution of costs (e.g. real estate transfer tax) should also be regulated.
What additional costs will I incur when buying a property?
In addition to the purchase price, several additional costs are incurred when buying a property. These include the land transfer tax, the registration fee in the land register and the costs for the lawyer to draw up the contract. If a broker is involved, broker commissions may also be incurred.
Other possible costs relate to financing, such as bank processing fees or the registration of a lien.
Additional costs may be incurred for expert opinions, translations or trustee processing.
Why do I need a trustee and an escrow account?
A trustee is a lawyer (or notary) who plays a central role in the purchase of real estate. The involvement of a trustee provides legal protection for the buyer and seller. A trustee manages the purchase price via an escrow account and ensures that the money only flows to the seller once all contractual conditions have been met – in particular the buyer’s entry in the land register. This prevents the buyer from paying without receiving ownership or the seller from transferring ownership without receiving the money.
The trustee also checks whether encumbrances (e.g. mortgages) are deleted from the land register before the purchase price is paid out. This neutral settlement via an escrow account creates security for both parties.
A lawyer specializing in real estate and property law can use their expertise to ensure that all steps are carried out in a legally correct manner.
What activities does the lawyer take on when buying real estate?
When buying an apartment, a house, a plot of land, etc., a lawyer provides the following key services:
- Checking the purchase contract for legal pitfalls
- Ensuring clear regulations on price, handover and warranty
- Clarification of questions regarding the land register, encumbrances and possible charges on the property.
- Support in contract negotiations
Protection of the client’s interests
A real estate lawyer is also on hand to advise you during the execution of the contract. Should disputes arise later on, a real estate lawyer will represent you competently in court or in out-of-court negotiations.
Can I withdraw from the purchase offer or the purchase contract when buying real estate?
When purchasing real estate, it is generally possible to withdraw from the purchase offer as long as there is no binding agreement or a withdrawal clause is included in the offer. The purchase offer is often a non-binding declaration of intent that can be withdrawn before the contract is concluded.
Withdrawing from the purchase contract, on the other hand, is more difficult and only possible under certain conditions, such as a contractually agreed right of withdrawal, a right of revocation or if the contractual partner does not fulfill their obligations.
Without such reasons, withdrawal can be legally problematic and result in claims for damages. At our law firm in Vienna, our lawyers will be happy to advise you on your individual options and risks of withdrawal.
What exactly does the construction contract regulate?
A construction contract regulates the legal framework of a construction project between the client and contractor. According to construction law, this contract specifies which services must be provided, which deadlines apply and how remuneration is paid.
In addition, the construction contract often contains provisions on warranty, safety regulations and acceptance of the building. Provisions in the event of delays, supplements or disputes are also part of the contract. The aim is to create clarity about the construction project and avoid potential conflicts at an early stage. For larger construction projects in particular, it is advisable to have the contract legally reviewed – ideally by a lawyer specializing in construction law.
When is a real estate agent entitled to payment of commission?
The real estate agent’s claim to payment of commission generally arises as soon as a legally valid contract (e.g. binding purchase offer, purchase or rental agreement) has been concluded. The prerequisite is that the estate agent has demonstrably performed the brokerage activity, was meritorious and a commission claim has been agreed or is provided for by law. In addition, the broker must duly inform the client of the obligation to pay the commission before the contract is concluded.
If this clarification is missing, the claim to payment of the commission may be forfeited. In the event of a dispute, a lawyer for real estate and property law can check whether the requirements are met and whether the commission claim is legal.
What role does inheritance law play in real estate law?
Real estate often makes up a significant part of an inheritance and is often the cause of legal conflicts. This is why inheritance law and real estate law are closely linked.
Numerous legal questions arise when bequeathing or inheriting a house, apartment or plot of land:
Who inherits the property?
Are there several heirs and how is it divided up?
What happens to existing mortgages or residential rights? Tax aspects such as real estate income tax or real estate transfer tax also play a role.
A real estate lawyer with specialist knowledge of inheritance law can help to avoid potential disputes. Legal advice is particularly beneficial in the case of communities of heirs or unclear wills.
How do I assert my inheritance rights to a property?
In order to enforce your right to inherit a property, you must be able to legally prove your claim. A will, contract of inheritance or legal succession can be used for this purpose. The entry in the land register is important: only those who are entered there as the owner or have acquired ownership out of court can legally dispose of the property.
In the event of disputes with co-heirs or those entitled to a compulsory portion, we recommend the support of a real estate lawyer. Our team led by lawyer Arnulf Schaunig specializes in real estate law and also has expertise in inheritance law. Our law firm in Vienna will examine your claims, support you in asserting your rights and accompany you throughout the entire process – including in court.
Arnulf Schaunig –
Law firm Vienna
Your direct contact
Your direct contact