Hsinchu County’s Old-Home Renewal Subsidy Opens Sept. 1, Covering Up to 65% of Repairs

Residents of older homes in Hsinchu County can apply from Sept. 1 for government help covering as much as 65% of eligible repair costs.

The county is joining the Ministry of the Interior’s National Land Management Agency in promoting the Old-Home Renewal and Functional Restoration Plan. Applications will remain open for three months. The program targets apartments aged at least 30 years that have occupancy permits or proof of legal construction, including four- to six-story buildings, as well as townhouses of six stories or fewer.

For apartment buildings, eligible shared-area work includes repairing stairwells, replacing public utility lines, removing old signs and illegal structures, and installing or improving outdoor elevators. Both apartments and townhouses may seek support for exterior renovation, roof waterproofing and insulation, external air-conditioning units, and safer utility lines. After completing outdoor shared-area work, applicants may also add slip-resistant surfaces, handrails, and other improvements that make homes safer for older residents.

The county said applications will not be handled on a first-come, first-served basis. If approved projects cost more than the available budget, officials will rank them according to priorities set by the central government. If applications remain tied and funding is still insufficient, a public lottery will be conducted through a system certified by a third party. A professional service team is expected to begin operating at the joint service center in mid-September, offering policy advice, regulatory guidance, help with applications, and assistance for communities seeking to organize collective applications and maintenance.