Kaohsiung housing gifts and inheritances near sales volume amid demographic shifts

In Kaohsiung City, the number of housing transfers through inheritance and gifts is rapidly approaching the volume of sales. In the first quarter of 2026, these non-sale transactions represented 45.66% of all property transfers, with 1,884 cases compared to 2,017 sales.

The trend is particularly pronounced in densely populated areas like Fengshan District, where gifts and inheritances made up over 52.89% of transfers. Qianzhen District also saw these non-sale transactions exceed 50.57% of its total.

Real estate professionals attribute this shift to Taiwan's aging population and declining birth rates. These demographic changes are making inheritance and gifts a more significant channel for younger generations to obtain property. However, this trend could negatively impact the traditional housing market. Furthermore, if inherited or gifted properties do not suit the recipients' needs, they may be quickly resold, potentially depressing property values in less prime locations.