AFFORDABLE HOUSING: our commitment to a livable and sustainable future
In a time when housing costs have become an increasing concern for many people, Vienna Insurance Group is setting a strong example for a livable and sustainable future. Our activities include investments in the construction of affordable housing and partnerships with companies that plan and implement sustainable housing projects. This commitment is part of our long-term social sustainability goals.
The challenge of rising housing costs
Rental prices in Austria have risen by more than a third over the past ten years, and although Vienna remains moderate compared to other European cities like Munich, Paris, or Amsterdam, the trend is clear: Housing is becoming more expensive.
Housing is a basic need, and the monthly costs should remain at an affordable level.
Investments in Affordable Housing
In Austria, the largest VIG company, Wiener Städtische Versicherung, and DONAU Versicherung have built thousands of apartments at affordable conditions with unlimited rental contracts. An impressive example is the Vienna Nordbahn district, where approximately 1,850 rental apartments have been created on an area of 141,000 m², three-quarters of which are considered affordable housing. This commitment also extends to other countries like Slovakia, where VIG, in collaboration with the government, is implementing subsidised housing projects. As early as March 2025, the Slovak VIG company Kooperativa handed over the first subsidised apartments in Bratislava, with further projects in Žilina, Bratislava, and Nitra underway.
Sustainability as a key factor
Sustainability plays a key role in the construction of affordable housing. VIG relies on renewable energy sources and measures to increase energy efficiency. Energy-efficient construction reduces heating needs and the emission of climate-damaging greenhouse gases. The connection to public transport is also considered to reduce CO² emissions from commuting.
Facelifting for old buildings
VIG demonstrates that even old properties can be made climate-friendly. With the goal of making its own real estate portfolio EU taxonomy-compliant, VIG is gradually renovating its buildings. An impressive example is the apartment building on Vienna's Singerstraße, which was the first old property in Austria to meet the requirements of the EU taxonomy regulation. So far, 18 VIG buildings have been renovated to be climate-fit. Recently, an architectural gem by architect Otto Wagner on Vienna's Schottenring was renovated, and taxonomy compliance is also being applied for this building.
Innovative partnerships for the future
VIG's involvement in the PropTech company GROPYUS shows the way to the future of housing. GROPYUS plans and builds multi-family homes based on a highly sustainable concept and uses digitalisation to produce cost-effectively and with a high degree of automation while conserving resources. An integrated digital smart living system creates modern living. GROPYUS aims to enable sustainable and affordable housing for everyone and is a protagonist for the future of housing procurement.
Affordable and sustainable housing does not have to be a contradiction. Through targeted investments and innovative partnerships, we create living spaces that meet people's needs while protecting the environment. In a world where housing costs continue to rise, Vienna Insurance Group is making an important statement for a livable and sustainable future.
