Taiwan social housing policy and targets

The National Housing and Urban Development Center has announced 1,500 new social housing rental units in New Taipei, Nantou, Tainan, and Kaohsiung. Applications are scheduled from 14 August to 14 September 2026, with a lottery on 16 December and move-in dates starting 1 March 2027. At least 20% of these units are reserved for married or child-rearing families, with lease terms extending up to twelve years for households with pre-school children.

These developments occur amid ongoing criticism from civil society groups regarding the “Million-Household Rental Support Plan.” Critics have alleged a reduction in the target for newly built social housing from 130,000 units to 30,000 units, alongside a 60% budget cut. In response, Interior Minister Liu Shih-fang clarified that the 130,000-unit target remains unchanged, noting that the 30,000-unit figure refers to the first phase of identified projects. He explained that the government is transitioning to a model involving urban renewal and cooperation with local governments. Minister Liu stated that over 40,000 units have been completed and another 80,000 are under construction.

Local leaders, including Taichung Mayor Lu Shiow-yen, have urged the central government to uphold its promises to ensure housing justice. Meanwhile, Kaohsiung has reported significant expansion, adding 22,265 social housing units during Mayor Chen Chi-mai’s tenure and reserving 40% of its capacity for marriage and child-rearing families. Additionally, the National Land Administration is promoting a subsidy program for renovating buildings over 30 years old to improve seismic safety and general structural integrity.