Municipal dwellings sold in the Neustadt of Vienna for almost EUR 39 000 each

The city of Wiener Neustadt has launched a recruitment drive for apprenticeships starting in September 2027. Applications can be submitted immediately. Currently, 29 young people are undergoing training with the city, including 15 girls and 14 boys. Training opportunities span various fields such as administration, IT, carpentry, and vehicle technology. Mayor Klaus Schneeberger (ÖVP) reintroduced apprenticeship programs after a long hiatus following his assumption of office in 2015. He emphasized that many current leaders in the city began their careers as apprentices. By training professionals within its own ranks, the city aims to address the shortage of skilled workers. Applications for administrative assistant positions in the municipal administration are due by January 15, 2027. Other apprenticeship opportunities, such as automotive technician roles at the city's transport company, will be announced early in 2027. Information about these opportunities is available at www.wiener-neustadt.at/service/stellenausschreibungen. Wiener Neustadt sold approximately three-quarters of its municipal housing units, generating €64.1 million. On average, each unit was sold for nearly €40,000. A total of 1,646 units were sold, with 35 properties transferred during the process. The proceeds exceeded the estimated market value by €5.5 million, according to Mayor Schneeberger, who described the restructuring of the city’s housing stock as necessary and the largest such project in Austria. Many of the units went to non-profit organizations, although the majority were purchased by commercial entities. Among them is Michael Tojner, an entrepreneur under investigation by the Economic and Corruption Prosecution Authority (WKStA) for alleged tax evasion related to the acquisition of former non-profit housing companies. Tojner maintains his innocence, and the charges have not yet been finalized. Legal experts noted that the restructuring took place under favorable conditions, preventing potential future forced sales at significantly lower prices. City officials stated that the move was unavoidable. The process involved contacting 186 potential buyers. For the 610 units remaining in the ownership of IFP Immobilien Freizeit Parken Wiener Neustadt GmbH, a renovation plan is already underway. Historic buildings such as the Karl-Renner-Hof and the Pernerstorfer-Hof remain in the city's hands, as do institutions like the women's shelter and the youth and cultural center "Triebwerk." Tenants in the properties transferred to new owners will experience no changes. The city council will task the control authority with examining the entire process for transparency and clarity, as announced by Schneeberger. The city had previously announced plans to reorganize its housing sector in October 2025, aiming to save around €2.5 million annually through the sale of properties starting in 2027.