Compare Home Loans / Mortgages in Taiwan

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19 live offers compared from 19 providers, from 1.82% initial. Updated daily.

What are mortgages in Taiwan?

A mortgage (房貸) in Taiwan is a long-term loan secured on residential property, typically for 20 to 30 years, used to buy a home or refinance an existing one. With home prices high relative to incomes, especially in Taipei and New Taipei, mortgages are central to household finance. Most are floating-rate loans indexed to a benchmark, and the government periodically adjusts loan-to-value caps and preferential first-home schemes to balance affordability against speculation.

How the Taiwan market works

Rates are usually floating, tied to a bank's index rate (定儲利率指數) plus a margin, and reset as the central bank moves policy. Loan-to-value ratios commonly reach 70 to 80% for first homes but are tightened for second properties and in hot districts under central-bank selective credit controls. The government's preferential first-home loan scheme (新青安, the youth housing loan) offers subsidised rates and longer terms to eligible buyers. State-linked banks are dominant given their scale and low funding cost.

Benefits

Low headline rates — Taiwan's mortgage rates are among the lowest in Asia, keeping monthly payments manageable relative to loan size.

First-home subsidies — The government youth housing scheme offers below-market rates and grace periods for qualifying buyers.

Long terms — Repayment periods up to 30 years, sometimes 40, spread the cost of expensive property.

Grace periods — Interest-only grace windows at the start ease early cash-flow for new owners.

Refinancing options — Competitive commercial banks readily refinance existing mortgages, letting borrowers chase a lower margin or release equity as property values rise.

How to choose

Compare the effective rate, the index plus margin, not just the promotional first-year rate, and check how quickly it resets. Assess the loan-to-value you qualify for, since second-home and hot-district limits are tighter. Factor in the handling fee, valuation cost and any early-repayment penalty. If eligible, weigh the government first-home scheme against standard products, and consider whether an interest-only grace period suits your plans or simply raises later payments.

Leading providers in Taiwan

State-linked lenders dominate, led by the Bank of Taiwan, Land Bank of Taiwan, Mega Bank, Hua Nan Bank and Chang Hwa Bank, which handle large volumes including the government first-home scheme. Private banks such as CTBC Bank, Cathay United and Fubon compete on service and refinancing, giving borrowers a mix of low-cost state lenders and more flexible commercial options.

What it costs

Mortgage rates in this comparison sit in a narrow band of roughly 1.82% to 2.4%, reflecting Taiwan's low-rate environment; subsidised first-home loans can price below this range. On top of interest, expect a one-off handling fee, property valuation and registration costs, plus fire and earthquake insurance that lenders require. Rates float, so budgeting should allow for future central-bank increases.

Protections and regulation

Mortgage lending is overseen by the Financial Supervisory Commission (FSC) and shaped by central-bank selective credit controls that set loan-to-value caps to cool speculation. Lenders require property insurance covering fire and earthquake, important given Taiwan's seismic risk. Borrower credit files sit with the JCIC, and consumer-disclosure rules require clear presentation of the effective rate and fees.

Common questions

Are rates fixed or floating? Almost all are floating, tied to a bank index plus margin, so payments change as the central bank moves.

What LTV can I get? Commonly 70 to 80% for a first home, but lower for second properties and in restricted districts.

Is there help for first-time buyers? Yes; the government youth housing loan (新青安) offers subsidised rates and longer terms to eligible buyers.

Why are second-home loans harder? Central-bank selective credit controls tighten loan-to-value caps and remove grace periods on second and additional properties to curb speculation, so buyers of non-primary homes borrow less and pay more.

Mortgages in Taiwan — FAQ