Taiwan Real Estate: Foreign Ownership

Main Blog Taiwan Real Estate 2025: Foreign Ownership, Market Trends & Top Cities

Taiwan Real Estate 2025: Foreign Ownership, Market Trends & Top Cities

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9/16/2025

Taiwan Real Estate 2025: Foreign Ownership, Market Trends & Top Cities

✅ Can Foreigners Buy Property in Taiwan?

Foreigners generally can buy property in Taiwan, but purchases often require approval from the Ministry of Economic Affairs (MOEA):

Foreign nationals must hold residency or special approval to purchase residential land or property.
Without residency, foreigners are typically limited to buying commercial properties or obtaining special permission.

⚖️ Foreign Ownership Laws

Property purchase by foreigners requires MOEA approval unless the buyer has an Alien Resident Certificate (ARC).
Agricultural land is generally off-limits to foreign buyers.
Property rights are protected once approval and registration are complete.
Buyers must register ownership with the local land office.

🏙️ Top Cities & Regions to Invest

🔹 1. Taipei

Capital city with high demand for residential and commercial properties
Strong rental market and steady price appreciation

🔹 2. New Taipei City

Surrounds Taipei with growing suburban developments
Affordable housing options compared to Taipei proper

🔹 3. Taichung

Central Taiwan’s largest city with expanding industrial and residential sectors

🔹 4. Tainan

Historic city with growing economic activities
Attractive for affordable housing investments

🔹 5. Kaohsiung

Major port city with industrial and commercial growth
Developing residential areas with good value

💰 Property Prices in 2025

Location	Avg. Price (TWD/sqm)	Approx. €/sqm
Taipei	TWD 300,000–600,000	€9,000–€18,000
New Taipei	TWD 150,000–350,000	€4,500–€10,500
Taichung	TWD 100,000–250,000	€3,000–€7,500
Tainan	TWD 80,000–180,000	€2,400–€5,400
Kaohsiung	TWD 90,000–200,000	€2,700–€6,000

📈 Rental Yields & ROI

Location	Long-Term Yield	Short-Term Rental ROI
Taipei	2.5–4%	4–6%
New Taipei	3–4.5%	4.5–6.5%
Taichung	3.5–5%	5–7%
Tainan	3.5–5%	5–7%
Kaohsiung	3–4.5%	4.5–6.5%

🛠️ Buying Process for Foreigners

Obtain approval from MOEA or verify ARC status
Engage a local lawyer or real estate agent
Identify eligible property and negotiate price
Sign preliminary agreement and pay deposit
Complete formal sale contract with a notary
Register the property at the local land office
Pay all required taxes and fees

🧾 Taxes & Fees

Tax/Cost	Rate/Details
Land Value Tax	0.2%–5% annually depending on location and use
House Tax	1.2%–2% annually based on assessed value
Deed Tax	6% of property price
Capital Gains Tax	15%–45% depending on holding period
Stamp Duty	Approximately 0.1% of transaction value

🛂 Residency & Visas

Property ownership does not grant residency or citizenship
Residency must be obtained through other immigration channels
Property investment can support visa applications but is not a direct path

🏘️ Who Should Invest in Taiwan?

✅ Ideal for:

Investors seeking access to a stable, high-tech economy
Buyers interested in urban residential or commercial properties
Those able to navigate government approvals and tax requirements

❌ Not ideal for:

Buyers without residency or MOEA approval for residential purchases
Investors seeking agricultural or rural land

🔮 2025 Market Trends

Continued demand for residential units in Taipei and New Taipei City
Growth in Taichung and Kaohsiung as industrial and residential hubs
Increasing interest in energy-efficient and smart buildings
Government promoting balanced regional development

🧭 Final Thoughts

Taiwan’s real estate market offers good opportunities with moderate restrictions for foreigners. Legal guidance and compliance with MOEA rules are essential.