Students from Innsbruck are sometimes accused of being the cause of the high rents. But even for them, living in the Tyrolean capital is hardly affordable.
What price are young people willing to pay to study in Innsbruck? “Student housing in Innsbruck” was the subject of the panel discussion recently invited by the AktionsGemeinschaft (AG, student group affiliated with the ÖVP). In the hall of the Academic Connection Austria Innsbruck, under the paintings of deceased Habsburgs, Markus Pollo, Neue Heimat Tirol (NHT), university professor Andreas Vonkilch as tenancy law expert, Julius Timmermann from ÖH Innsbruck and Muhammed Durmaz, Federal Chairman of the AG, as moderator. Between 20 and 30 people were present as audience members.
Many students are shocked by the prices
“30 square meters for 760 euros rent per month”, Durmaz gives a current example to describe the situation in Innsbruck. “Many students are shocked by the rents when they come to Innsbruck. The fear that Innsbruck’s future as a student city is in jeopardy is justified’, Timmermann describes the situation.
Why does Innsbruck have such high rents? Pollo from NHT sums it up: “The mountains limit the geographical possibilities. We also have a lot of newcomers: Tyrol is super hot.” Vonkilch adds: “If demand significantly exceeds supply, prices rise.”
The vacancy tax is not a big hit
One hope for easing rents is the vacancy levy. But Vonkilch does not see a big hit: “The vacancy tax is very controversial ideologically and politically. It would be a suitable variant to create more supply, but the country can only ask so much that it doesn’t really hurt. Otherwise it will become a federal matter. ”
Apartments in Innsbruck as a capital investment
For example, the owner of an empty apartment of 30 to 50 square meters must pay a minimum of 40 and a maximum of 100 euros per month. So it can still be worth it for owners. “Many have apartments as an investment. There is an annual increase in value, some use it as a business model.” NHT is launching a new project “WG-Wohnen”, there will be 96 places, a 2-room apartment of 50 square meters for 760 euros.
Competitive disadvantage for families
Because one thing is also clear: in the free market, families have a competitive disadvantage compared to students, as Pollo and Vonkilch explain, because students can charge 500 euros per room, but a 3-room apartment for 1500 euros can be unaffordable for a family. When asked what the gentlemen would do if they were mayor for a day, Vonkilch would ensure that all housing law violations are punished, as he suspected many law violations.
In any case, one thing is certain: to be able to study in Innsbruck, students pay a high price.
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
