EAFRD 2023-2027: Reactivation of Vacant Properties

The ELER 2023–2027 funding line “Reactivation of Vacant Properties” supports public institutions in strengthening and revitalizing rural town and village centers throughout Austria (Burgenland, Carinthia, Lower Austria, Upper Austria, Salzburg, Styria, Tyrol, Vorarlberg, and Vienna). The objective is to reduce vacancies through awareness-raising, consulting, integrated urban development concepts (ISEK), and professional management. Eligible costs include material and personnel expenses as well as accompanying investments by local cooperations – for example, conducting vacancy surveys, citizen participation, and implementation of revitalization measures. Integrated project management, external expert knowledge, and awareness campaigns aim to create sustainable impulses for social and economic infrastructure and to curb land consumption.

Target groups are associations of at least two municipalities or comparable legal entities with functional and spatial relevance in rural areas. A written cooperation agreement is required, and for ISEK projects, a binding municipal resolution. The funding rate amounts to 65% of eligible expenses. Applications are submitted digitally via the AMA Digital Funding Platform (eAMA) between 01.01.2023 and 31.12.2027; deadlines are announced per federal state within the framework of call procedures. With a total budget of approximately €13.25 million, the measure contributes to sustainable regional development and the safeguarding of resource-efficient agriculture as well as vital living environments in rural communities. The legal bases established in the CAP Strategic Plan Implementation Regulation ensure uniformity and legal certainty for all parties involved.