Taipei: Taiwan's government has announced a plan to provide over 11,000 social housing units for new couples and families with toddlers by 2028. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to alleviate the financial burden on young individuals.
According to Focus Taiwan, during a Cabinet press briefing in Taipei, Deputy Minister of the Interior Dong Jian-hong revealed that the Executive Yuan approved a new program aimed at offering housing assistance to couples married for less than two years and families with preschool-aged children. This program will be effective from 2026, with the central government set to release more than 11,000 social housing units over the next three years, specifically reserved for these groups.
The program allows successful applicants to reside in the units for up to 12 years, which doubles the standard six-year term for regular social housing tenants. Wu Hsin-hsou, head of the National Land Management Agency, stated that the central government plans to have 1,000 units ready by the end of 2025, with an additional 10,000 units to be released by 2028.
The introduction of this program follows Premier Cho Jung-tai's announcement that government policy would pivot towards supporting households and young people. This comes after the ruling Democratic Progressive Party's unsuccessful recall campaign against opposition Kuomintang lawmakers.
Additionally, the program includes annual repair grants of up to NT$6,000 (US$195) for new couples and families with minors who rent through government-certified rental management companies, enhancing home safety. The government will also expand existing rental subsidies for couples married for up to two years and families with newborns.
Wu estimated that approximately 483,000 households would benefit from this new program, which is projected to cost NT$27 billion.