Question 1

Is it easy to find an apartment in Taipei as a foreigner?

Accepted Answer

With an ARC (residency card), yes — most landlords accept foreign tenants. Without an ARC, it's harder; some landlords require a local guarantor. 591.com.tw has English functionality and lists thousands of apartments. The Gold Card community Facebook group and Taipei expat forums also have housing posts. Good apartments in Daan and Zhongshan go quickly — be prepared to decide within 1–2 days of viewing.

Question 2

What is Taiwanese apartment like compared to Western standards?

Accepted Answer

Smaller than typical Western apartments — a 'large' 1-BR in Taipei is 30–40 sq meters. Most buildings were built in the 1970s–1990s and show their age. Floors below 7 often have no elevator. No central heating — winters in Taipei (10–15°C with humidity) can feel quite cold without a split AC in heat mode. That said, most properties are well-maintained and the lack of size is offset by the incredible neighborhood life outside your door.

Question 3

How do I find housing in Taipei as a foreigner?

Accepted Answer

Best platforms: 591.com.tw (largest database, English available), 好房網 (HouseFun), and Facebook groups ('Rent in Taipei', 'Taipei Housing for Expats'). Agency listings charge 0.5–1 month's rent in commission. Da'an, Zhongshan, and Xinyi districts are most popular with expats. Standard deposit: 2 months' rent. Lease duration: typically 1–2 years. Bring your ARC card or passport to viewings.

Question 4

What are the best neighborhoods in Taipei for expats?

Accepted Answer

Da'an District: upscale, walkable, parks, great MRT access, popular with families. Zhongshan District: popular with Japanese expats, boutiques, design hotels, relaxed vibe. Xinyi District: the CBD hub, luxury condos, Taipei 101, vibrant nightlife. Wenshan/Muzha: quieter and affordable, near universities and the zoo. Outside Taipei: Tainan is the cultural heart (cheaper, 45 min by HSR); Taichung is centrally located with good outdoor access.

Question 5

Can foreigners buy property in Taiwan?

Accepted Answer

Yes — foreigners with ARC can purchase residential and commercial properties in Taiwan. Reciprocity principle applies: citizens of countries that allow Taiwanese to buy property there can buy in Taiwan (this covers most Western nations). No restrictions on the number of properties. Agricultural land is generally restricted. Transaction costs: 1–6% agent commission, 0.1% deed tax, 0.1% land value tax. Many expats rent rather than buy given the high property prices in Taipei (1BR in Da'an: NTD 20–35 million).

Question 6

Can foreigners buy property in Taiwan?

Accepted Answer

Yes — foreigners with ARC can purchase residential and commercial properties. Reciprocity principle applies: citizens of countries that allow Taiwanese to buy property can buy in Taiwan (covers most Western nations). Agricultural land is restricted. Transaction costs: 1-6% agent commission, 0.1% deed tax, 0.1% land value tax. Property prices in Taipei are high — 1BR in Da'an: NTD 20-35 million ($625,000-$1.1M). Most expats rent rather than buy.

Housing

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Renting in Taiwan

Buying Property in Taiwan

Common Questions — Housing in Taiwan

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