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🇹🇼 Taiwan /Economy & Trade

Taoyuan Launches Affordable Housing for Newlyweds, Child-Rearing Families

From Liberty Times · () Chinese

Translated from Chinese, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Sources not specified New plan
  • Taiwan's Taoyuan City launches a first-of-its-kind affordable housing program targeting newlywed and child-rearing families.
  • The program offers homes priced around NT$7 million to NT$10 million, with unit prices in the NT$200,000s per ping, aiming to ease the burden of homeownership.
  • Eligible applicants must reside in Taoyuan for at least one year, be aged 25-45, and have children or be expecting, with combined monthly incomes between NT$85,000 and NT$130,000.

Taoyuan City in Taiwan is pioneering an "affordable housing" initiative, a novel approach aimed at helping newlywed and child-rearing families establish a home. The program, which exclusively sells homes and does not offer rentals, seeks to return housing to its fundamental purpose: shelter.

The initiative addresses the persistent issue of high housing prices, which continue to strain young families despite government efforts to curb speculation. "Social housing provides support, but after the lease expires, some families still struggle to transition to the regular housing market," said Taoyuan Department of Urban Development Director Chiang Nan-chih. "The city government therefore considered a new direction for housing policy."

Under the "de-commodification" principle, Taoyuan's affordable housing will be managed by the Taoyuan Urban Development Center. Residents will gain usage rights, with ownership transferred later upon meeting specific conditions. A trust management mechanism aims to prevent speculation, mortgaging, and foreclosure, ensuring homes serve their intended purpose.

Social housing provides support, but after the lease expires, some families still struggle to transition to the regular housing market. The city government therefore considered a new direction for housing policy.

— Chiang Nan-chihTaoyuan Department of Urban Development Director explaining the rationale behind the affordable housing initiative.

Eligibility criteria include residency in Taoyuan for at least one year, an age range of 25 to 45, and having minor children or being pregnant. Estimated combined monthly incomes should fall between NT$85,000 and NT$130,000. Prices are expected to start around NT$7 million, not exceeding NT$10 million, with most units offering two to three bedrooms at approximately NT$200,000 per ping. The city also plans a guarantee mechanism to support loans, aiming for 30-year terms with up to 80% financing.

The first phase will pilot 107 units in the Dayuan and Luzhu districts, located near the Taoyuan Aerotropolis resettlement housing. Future developments will prioritize areas around MRT stations. The city aims to provide 1,000 affordable housing units by 2030, creating a diverse housing system alongside social and private housing options.

De-commodification is the core concept.

— Chiang Nan-chihTaoyuan Department of Urban Development Director highlighting the guiding principle of the affordable housing program.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Liberty Times in Chinese. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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