Tirol residents value homeownership but doubt they can afford it

Homeownership remains important to 80 percent of people in Tirol, but many believe buying a property is out of reach, according to a study presented on Monday and reported by ORF. Two-thirds of respondents from the middle class said the dream of owning a home was barely affordable.

The 2026 Tirol banking study, conducted by Ipsos Austria for the banking and insurance division of the Tirol Chamber of Commerce, found that 68 percent of those surveyed considered their chances of buying a property in Tirol to be poor. High property prices, insufficient savings for a deposit, high interest rates and loan repayments were cited as the main obstacles. Respondents said they wanted more subsidies and tax benefits.

Patrick Götz, head of the chamber’s banking and insurance division, said owning a home meant more than an investment to people in Tirol, providing security and independence, particularly in old age.

Only 41 percent of respondents were confident that the state pension would maintain their standard of living, while 51 percent were concerned about their finances in retirement. Nine in 10 said private retirement provision was necessary. Some 42 percent reported saving more than 100 euros a month, and the number who saved nothing had fallen.

Gold, property and online savings accounts were popular investments. For retirement provision, respondents favoured traditional products such as savings books and life insurance. Study author Alexander Zeh of Ipsos Austria said the findings showed growing interest in capital markets: 69 percent expected securities to become more important. Most respondents trusted their main bank for financial decisions and wanted more financial education in schools.