Taiwan’s housing market affected by delayed marriages

台灣樓市受晚婚影響

Couples are waiting longer to get married, impacting first-time home purchases


TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Young adults in Taiwan are delaying marriage due to career concerns creating more demand for rental properties and small-sized housing units.

According to demographic data for 2023 released by the Ministry of the Interior, the average age for first marriages in Taiwan was 32.9 for men and 31 for women. The average age of first-time childbirth for couples is now 32.4 years old, nearly one year older than a decade ago.

Taiwan Realty Enterprise Group (台灣房屋集團) section chief Charlene Chang (張旭嵐) said the data reflects the trend of "older couples and older parents." She said many young adults prioritize personal freedom and quality of life, especially women's autonomy, as marriage and childbirth are no longer regarded as the only paths in life, per UDN.

Chang said that many couples now complete major life events after 30. She said the trend impacts the domestic housing market by increasing the demand for rental housing as single people typically rent instead of buy.

Additionally, single people tend to rent smaller units instead of large units, affecting the property market as investors are now targeting smaller rental properties.

Another trend is delayed demand for home purchases. In particular, sales of family homes with three or more bedrooms have been dramatically reduced. Buying of small homes, such as studios, singles, or two-bedroom units has increased, affecting market supply and demand.

Taiwan Realty Enterprise Trend Center Manager Li Chia-ni (李家妮) said fewer couples are heeding the traditional advice of “start a family first, then start a career.” She said high housing prices have forced many to concentrate on careers first, as the average mortgage burden for married couples in Taiwan in Q2 exceeded NT$10 million (US$314,000).

In New Taipei, the average monthly mortgage burden starts at about NT$40,000, while in Taipei, average mortgages reach as high as NT$65,000. Housing costs rank among the major concerns young couples face in Taiwan.