Urban renewal and affordable housing in Taiwan

Abstract

In this chapter, we introduce Taiwan’s Condominium Administration Act and examine three multi-owned property (MOP) restrictions. These include: the difficulty of urban renewal; the discrimination problem in social housing; and public concern over unaffordable housing. Our analysis highlights that administration of MOPs is increasingly difficult and subject to conflict due to high housing prices and speculative housing investment, as well as complexity of economic activities and property rights. Furthermore, there is scope for improving the operational efficiency of unit owner assemblies through the promotion of alternative methods of voting such as e-voting. We suggest that governments should construct a sound legal environment for condominium administration and make housing prices more affordable, thereby increasing supply and reducing investment demand.