Types of Housing in Taiwan

1. Share House (Co-Living)

A share house is one of the easiest options for foreigners, especially students, digital nomads, and young professionals.

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Pros

✅ Fully furnished

✅ Lower monthly cost

✅ Utilities often included

✅ Meet local and international residents

✅ Flexible lease terms

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Cons

❌Shared kitchen and common areas

❌Less privacy

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Best For

• Exchange students

• Working holiday visitors

• Short-term residents

• Remote workers

 

Typical Rent

• Taipei: NT$8,000–20,000/month

• Other cities: NT$5,000–15,000/month

 

Recommended Providers

• Borderless House Taiwan

• Home Sweet Home Share House Taiwan

• 9floor Co-Living

 

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2. Studio Apartment (套房)

The most popular choice among foreigners.

A studio apartment usually includes:

• Private bedroom

• Private bathroom

• Small kitchenette

 

Pros

✅ Privacy

✅ Easy to manage

✅ Usually furnished

 

Cons

❌More expensive than share houses

Typical Rent

• Taipei: NT$12,000–35,000/month

• Taichung: NT$8,000–20,000/month

• Kaohsiung: NT$7,000–18,000/month

 

Best For

• Professionals

• Graduate students

• Couples

 

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3. Full Apartment (整層住家)

You rent an entire apartment.

 

Pros

✅ Most privacy

✅ Suitable for families

✅ More space

 

Cons

❌Higher rent

❌Often unfurnished

❌Utility setup may be required

 

Typical Rent

• Taipei: NT$25,000–80,000+/month

• Other cities: NT$15,000–50,000/month

 

Best For

• Families

• Long-term residents

• Corporate expatriates

 

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4. Serviced Apartment

Similar to a hotel but designed for longer stays.

 

Pros

✅ Professional management

✅ English-speaking staff

✅ Utilities included

✅ Housekeeping available

 

Cons

❌ Most expensive option

 

Best For

• Business travelers

• Corporate transfers

• First-time arrivals

 

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Recommended Rental Websites & Apps

Most Popular Rental Platforms

591 房屋交易網 (591 Rental)

Taiwan's largest rental platform.

Features:

• Thousands of listings

• Map search

• Filter by budget and district

Note:
Many listings are in Chinese only.

 

Rent.591 App

Available on:

• iOS

• Android

Useful for real-time rental alerts.

 

My Room Abroad

Specifically designed for international students and foreigners.

Features:

• English support

• Verified properties

 

Facebook Marketplace

Many landlords post directly.

Popular groups include:

• Taipei Apartments for Rent

• Taipei Expats Housing

• Taiwan Housing & Roommates

Always verify the property before paying any deposit.

 

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Rental Search Apps

591 App

Most comprehensive.

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樂屋網 (Rakuya)

Additional rental inventory.

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HouseFun 好房網

Useful for apartment searches.

 

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Foreigner-Friendly Housing Services

Many foreigners prefer agencies that can communicate in English, Japanese, or other languages.

 

Recommended Services

Borderless House Taiwan

Languages:

• English

• Japanese

• Chinese

Ideal for:

• Students

• Young professionals

 

International House Taipei

Offers:

• English support

• Short-term and long-term options

 

Nestin Taiwan

Foreigner-friendly relocation assistance.

Services:

• Apartment search

• Lease support

• Utility setup

 

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Taiwan Rental Rules You Should Know

1. Lease Agreement (Rental Contract)

Always request a written contract.

The contract should clearly state:

• Rent amount

• Deposit amount

• Lease duration

• Utility charges

• Move-out conditions

 

2. Security Deposit

Typical deposit:

• 2 months' rent

Under Taiwan's rental regulations, landlords generally cannot require more than two months' rent as a security deposit.

 

3. Utility Charges

Confirm whether the rent includes:

• Electricity

• Water

• Internet

• Building management fees

For studio apartments, electricity is often charged separately.

 

4. Registration Requirements

For foreign residents holding:

• ARC (Alien Resident Certificate)

• APRC

• Employment Gold Card

The rental address is often used for official registration purposes.

Make sure your landlord allows address registration if needed.

 

5. Subleasing

Not all properties allow subleasing.

Always obtain written permission from the landlord.

 

6. Before Paying a Deposit

Never send money before:

✅ Viewing the property

✅ Confirming ownership or agency authorization

✅ Reviewing the lease agreement

Scams are uncommon but do exist.

 

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Recommended Housing by Length of Stay

Length of Stay                         Recommended Option

1–3 Months                              Share House / Serviced Apartment

3–12 Months                            Share House / Studio Apartment

1–3 Years                                 Studio Apartment / Full Apartment

Family Relocation                    Full Apartment

Corporate Assignment           Serviced Apartment / Full Apartment

 

Quick Tips for New Arrivals

✅ Share houses are usually the easiest option for first-time arrivals.

✅ Expect to pay a deposit equal to two months' rent.

✅ Most landlords prefer tenants with stable employment or student status.

✅ Apartments near MRT stations are more expensive but significantly more convenient.

✅ If you don't speak Chinese, prioritize properties that offer English-speaking support.

✅ Always sign a written lease and keep copies of all payment records.

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Taiwan is generally considered one of the safest and most convenient places to rent in Asia. With the right preparation, most foreigners can find suitable housing within a few days to a few weeks after arrival.

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If there is any updated information, please feel free to let us know so we can make corrections.

Thank you !

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