Moving into a new home in Taiwan can feel overwhelming, especially for first-time renters or buyers from abroad. The rental market operates differently from Western countries, renovation costs vary wildly by district, and the subtropical climate demands specific appliances and habits. This guide walks you through every stage, from signing a lease to choosing an air conditioner, with concrete numbers, retailer names, and local context so you can settle in with confidence.
Finding and securing a rental in Taiwan
The first step is understanding how the rental market works. Unlike in many Western countries, most Taiwanese landlords do not use a Multiple Listing Service (MLS). Instead, listings appear on local platforms such as 591房屋交易 (591.com.tw), 好房網 (housefun.com.tw), and Facebook groups like “台北租屋” or “Taipei Rentals.” For English-friendly options, Tealit.com and Spacious.hk (formerly Rent in Taipei) remain popular among expats.
Key rental terms and deposits
- Deposit (押金): Typically two months’ rent, but sometimes one month for smaller units. Under the Land Lease and Tenancy Act, a deposit cannot exceed two months’ rent.
- Lease duration: One year is standard, though many landlords prefer two years. Month-to-month leases are rare.
- Agent fee (仲介費): If you use a real estate agent, the fee is usually one month’s rent, half from the tenant, half from the landlord.
- Utility setup: Electricity, water, and gas are typically already connected. You just need to transfer the name on the bill at the local 台電 (Taipower) and 自來水公司 (Taiwan Water Corporation) offices.
For a more detailed breakdown of the financial side, see our Rental Budget Guide for Taiwan.
Understanding your lease contract
Most leases in Taiwan are written in Chinese. Even if you can read some characters, it’s wise to have a bilingual friend or lawyer review the contract. Key clauses to check include:
- Early termination penalty: Usually one month’s rent if you leave before the lease ends.
- Repair responsibilities: Landlords are legally required to fix structural issues (plumbing, electrical, roof). Tenants cover light bulbs, paint, and minor wear.
- Subletting: Most contracts forbid subletting without written permission.
- Pet policy: Many landlords outright ban pets. If you have a cat or dog, ask explicitly before signing.
- Renewal terms: Check if the rent can increase upon renewal. Some contracts include a fixed rate for the first two years.
Once you sign, you must register the lease with the local 區公所 (district office) for tax purposes. This is especially important if you plan to claim the rental deduction on your annual tax return (up to NT$120,000 per year).
Buying a home: what you need to know
If you’re ready to purchase, Taiwan’s property market has distinct rules. Foreign nationals (non-ROC citizens) can buy residential property, but they face restrictions: you must have lived in Taiwan for at least 183 days per year, and the property cannot be used for rental income without special approval. For a full guide, read our Buying Property as a Foreigner in Taiwan.
Key costs when buying:
- Down payment: Typically 20-30% of the purchase price.
- Deed transfer tax (契稅): 6% of the government-assessed value (usually lower than market price).
- Stamp tax (印花稅): 0.1% of the contract price.
- Agent commission: 1-2% for the buyer’s agent, 2-4% for the seller’s agent.
- Mortgage registration fee: About NT$5,000, NT$10,000.
The process from offer to closing takes about 30-45 days. Most buyers use a 地政士 (land administration agent) to handle paperwork. Popular mortgage lenders include 台灣銀行, 兆豐銀行, and 國泰世華銀行.
Renovating your space: budget and permits
Whether you rent or buy, you may want to make changes. Renovation costs in Taiwan are generally lower than in the US or Europe, but quality varies. Here are typical price ranges for common projects in Taipei (as of 2025):
| Project | Cost (NT$) | Notes |
|---|
| Interior painting (30-ping apartment) | NT$25,000, NT$50,000 | Includes labor and materials (Dulux or Nippon Paint). |
| Tile replacement (kitchen or bathroom) | NT$15,000, NT$40,000 | Depends on tile quality and area size. |
| Kitchen cabinet refacing | NT$30,000, NT$80,000 | Custom work from local carpenters. |
| Bathroom renovation (complete) | NT$80,000, NT$200,000 | Includes plumbing, tiles, fixtures. |
| Flooring (per ping) | NT$3,000, NT$8,000 | Laminate, tile, or engineered wood. |
Note: A “ping” (坪) is a Taiwanese unit equal to 3.3 square meters or about 35.5 square feet. Most apartments are measured in pings.
Do you need a permit?
For minor renovations like painting or changing flooring, no permit is required. However, if you plan to alter load-bearing walls, change the building’s exterior, or modify the plumbing/gas system, you need a 室內裝修許可證 (interior renovation permit) from the local construction management office. Fines for unpermitted work can reach NT$60,000. For a deeper dive, see our Renovation Permits in Taiwan.
Choosing appliances for the Taiwanese climate
Taiwan’s subtropical climate, hot, humid summers (May, October) and mild, damp winters, dictates your appliance choices. Here’s what you need:
Air conditioning
Almost every home has split-type air conditioners. The most popular brands are Daikin, Mitsubishi Electric, Panasonic, and local brand Teco. For a 30-ping apartment, you typically need 3-4 units (one per bedroom plus living room). A 2.0 kW unit (suitable for a 10-ping room) costs about NT$25,000, NT$35,000 installed. Inverter models are standard and save significant electricity.
Dehumidifier
During the rainy season (February, April) and summer typhoons, indoor humidity often exceeds 80%. A dehumidifier is essential to prevent mold on walls and furniture. Top brands: Mitsubishi (MJ series), Panasonic, and Hitachi. A 16L/day model costs around NT$12,000, NT$20,000 at retailers like 燦坤 (Tsann Kuen) or 全國電子 (E-Life).
Clothes dryer
Line-drying is common, but many apartments lack balcony space. A vented or heat-pump dryer is recommended. LG and Bosch heat-pump dryers cost NT$25,000, NT$45,000. For smaller spaces, a compact 6kg dryer from Panasonic (NT$15,000) works well.
Water heater
Most Taiwanese homes use either a gas water heater (瓦斯熱水器) or an electric heat pump water heater (熱泵熱水器). Gas is cheaper to run but requires a gas line. Popular brands: Rinnai, 林內, and 櫻花. A standard gas heater costs NT$8,000, NT$15,000 installed. For electric, Panasonic and Sanyo heat pump units cost NT$30,000, NT$50,000 but can halve your electricity bill compared to traditional electric heaters.
Refrigerator and washing machine
Standard sizes: 400-600L fridge (NT$30,000, NT$60,000) and 10-14kg washer (NT$15,000, NT$30,000). Brands like Hitachi, Panasonic, and LG dominate. For washer-dryer combos, expect to pay NT$35,000, NT$55,000.
Seasonal survival: staying comfortable year-round
Taiwan’s seasons are distinct, and each brings its own challenges. Here’s how to prepare:
Summer (May, October)
- Temperature: 30-38°C, often with 90% humidity.
- Typhoons: July, September. Stock up on bottled water, canned food, and batteries. Tape windows if you live in an older building.
- Mold prevention: Run dehumidifiers daily. Use anti-mold paint (e.g., Nippon Paint’s Anti-Mold series) in bathrooms and kitchens.
- Electricity bills: Summer rates from Taipower are higher (NT$5, NT$7 per kWh). An average 30-ping apartment with two AC units running 8 hours/day can cost NT$4,000, NT$6,000 per month.
Winter (November, February)
- Temperature: 12-20°C in the north, 15-25°C in the south. No central heating.
- Heating: Portable oil-filled radiators (NT$3,000, NT$6,000) or electric blankets (NT$1,500, NT$3,000) are common. Do not use gas heaters indoors without ventilation, carbon monoxide poisoning is a risk.
- Dampness: Winter is the second rainy season in northern Taiwan. Keep dehumidifiers running to prevent mold on clothes and walls.
- Water temperature: If your water heater is far from the bathroom, you may wait 30-60 seconds for hot water. Consider installing a recirculation pump (NT$5,000, NT$10,000).
Spring (March, April)
This is “plum rain” season. Humidity peaks at 95%. Expect continuous drizzle for 2-3 weeks. Mold grows quickly. Use a dehumidifier 24/7 in closed rooms. A hygrometer (NT$300, NT$800) helps you monitor levels, keep below 60% relative humidity.
Typhoon preparedness checklist
- Check window seals, apply silicone caulk if gaps exist (NT$200/tube at hardware stores like 特力屋).
- Buy sandbags or flood barriers if you live on the ground floor.
- Charge power banks and portable fans.
- Store important documents in waterproof bags.
- Know your nearest shelter (listed on the Taiwan Typhoon & Flood Information app).
Setting up internet and utilities
After moving in, you’ll need to set up internet, cable TV, and possibly a landline. The two major ISPs are 中華電信 (Chunghwa Telecom) and 凱擘大寬頻 (Kbro). Fiber-optic plans:
- 100M/40M: NT$699/month (Chunghwa).
- 300M/100M: NT$999/month.
- 1G/600M: NT$1,599/month.
Installation takes 3-7 business days. For TV, MOD (Chunghwa’s IPTV) costs NT$200, NT$400/month. Cable TV from Kbro or 大安文山 runs NT$500, NT$600/month.
Electricity bills arrive every two months. You can pay at any convenience store (7-Eleven, FamilyMart) or via automatic bank transfer. Water bills are quarterly, and gas bills are monthly if you use piped gas.
Final checklist before you move in
- Take photos of every room (for deposit disputes later).
- Test all appliances, faucets, lights, and outlets.
- Check the circuit breaker panel, note which switches control which rooms.
- Change locks or rekey (costs NT$800, NT$2,000 per lock).
- Buy a fire extinguisher (NT$500, NT$1,000 at 特力屋 or 家樂福).
- Register your address with the local household registration office (戶政事務所) if you’re a foreign resident with an ARC.
For more details on the moving process, check our Moving to Taiwan Checklist.
Related articles
- Rental Budget Guide for Taiwan
- Buying Property as a Foreigner in Taiwan
- Renovation Permits in Taiwan
- Moving to Taiwan Checklist
- Setting Up Utilities in Taiwan