Vienna’s real estate market under pressure, residents worried about future healthcare, and Austrian AI firm sold in major deal – plus more stories from Austria on Wednesday.
Vienna real estate market in crisis, warn property professionals
The Viennese real estate sector is under growing strain due to rising construction and energy costs, legal uncertainty, and a drop in new housing developments. Vienna.at reported that the Chamber of Commerce’s group of real estate trustees warned on Tuesday of an “unprecedented crisis” if swift reforms aren’t introduced.
They called for more liberalisation, including opening up municipal housing services to private companies.
Despite political pledges, Engel & Völkers noted that square metre prices continue to rise, with central Vienna homes selling for €5,500 to €8,000 per square metre and rents ranging from €16 to €20 – still lower than in cities like Paris or London.
Viennese worried about future of city’s healthcare system
A new “Health Barometer” presented by the Vienna Medical Association shows that while residents rate the current healthcare system at a middling 2.6 on Austria’s school grading scale, many are deeply concerned about its future. Vienna.at reported that 57 percent of respondents want more state investment in healthcare, placing it above education and social services.
The survey found women, less-educated residents, and those in larger districts were most critical. Half of all patients complained of rushed hospital care.
The Medical Association is calling for more staff, better pay, additional outpatient clinics, and incentives for preventive check-ups.
Austrian AI start-up Finmatics sold in multi-million euro deal
Austria’s Finmatics, which develops AI-powered accounting automation tools, has been acquired by the Norwegian software giant Visma Group. Kurier reported that although the exact purchase price was not disclosed, sources suggest a nine-figure sum—making it one of Austria’s largest AI exits.
Founded in 2016, Finmatics counts over 1,200 tax consultants and 100 corporate clients.
Co-founder Christoph Prieler confirmed that the company’s software streamlining repetitive accounting tasks will continue as normal under Visma’s umbrella. He plans to remain with the company and eventually invest in other Austrian start-ups.
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Salzburg firm bans private phones to fight distraction
A flag manufacturer in Mittersill, Salzburg, is drawing attention for banning employees from using private mobile phones during working hours. Kurier reported that around 100 employees at Fahnen Gärtner are required to store their phones in lockers at the start of each day. The company says the policy is designed to improve focus and productivity.
The HR manager likened the policy to Austria’s upcoming school phone ban, saying younger employees were particularly affected by screen-related distractions.
Although most employees have adjusted well, one case required therapy due to symptoms of dependency. Legally, Austrian employers are allowed to restrict phone use during work, but not during breaks.
4-year-old survives fifth-floor fall in Vienna
A four-year-old boy is recovering in hospital after falling from a fifth-floor apartment window in Vienna-Meidling on Tuesday.
Kurier reported that the child’s fall was miraculously cushioned by a wooden table on a terrace below, sparing him life-threatening injuries.
According to police, the boy’s mother had left him home alone with two older siblings while taking another child to a doctor’s appointment. The 45-year-old is now under investigation for suspected neglect. Emergency services were able to stabilise the child quickly at the scene.
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