Here at Live Austria, we think buying Austrian properties for homes and investment makes good sense. Here are just a few of the reasons why:

• Austria benefits from a very low crime rate with no organised crime; it is a very safe country in which to live and visit.
• Austria is a politically stable country and is a valued member of the EU which it joined in 1995.
• There is no discernable corruption in the legal system or police.
• There is a highly developed and well organised banking system.
• Austria has a thriving economy and is the 3rd wealthiest EU country as measured by per capita GDP, just behind Luxembourg and Ireland. In addition unemployment is extremely low.
• The people of Austria enjoy a high standard of living and yet....
• Relatively speaking, the cost of living is reasonable e.g. according to the recent cost of living index statistics, London is placed at 126.3 and Vienna at 96.9.
• Austria benefits from an excellent, modern and well funded infrastructure e.g. the health service, schools, roads, public transport systems etc. In essence - Austria works!
• There is a well established and stable home property market with many reasonably priced properties.
• Property tends to be extremely well built.
• There are two enjoyable and long seasons per year, thus increasing your personal enjoyment and letting potential.
• Therefore, good rental potential is a probability, both in the Alps and the main cities.
• Austria looks after the environment very well and hence the country is extremely clean and can boast of lakes, rivers and streams that you can drink! In addition, the Alpine air is incredibly fresh and invigorating.
• Austria has both wonderful cities of culture and some of the most beautiful natural scenery in the world - some say...."possibly the best combination of nature and culture on the planet"(The Lonely Planet Guide to Austria).
• For the sporting, there is available almost every outdoor activity you can think of, including: all year round skiing, excellent summer golfing, hiking/nordic walking, river rafting and canyoning, horse riding, cycling, mountain biking, paragliding and many other sports and pastimes.

The channel 4 programme ’A Place in The Sun’ puts Austria in the top 20 best countries to buy.

Factor in a serious risk/benefit analysis and you may find it hard to beat.