Guide to Housing in Taipei

Many come to this thriving international city to work and play, and there is great demand for quality housing. Taipei housing is thus relatively expensive in comparison to most expatiates' home countries, but is cheaper than areas such as Hong Kong and Tokyo.

Most expatriates live in apartment buildings (in Tianmu to the north, in the Xinyi district downtown, and elsewhere), with a small number of free-standing houses in the hilly areas on the city's northern verge (Wellington Heights in Beitou district and Yangmingshan).

Almost all accommodation is rented. An aging one-bedroom apartment might be NT$20,000 per month; a newer 3-bedroom detached home can go for as much as NT$180,000 per month.

Utilities

It is quite easy to get your utilities up and running when you are first setting up. Here are a few pointers

Electricity

Electrical current runs on 110 volts and 60cycles60 cycles. Charges per kilowatt-hour go up with the volume used. Payment is necessary within seven days after receiving the bill, and can be made at the utility company, in person at a local bank branch, automatically by your bank, in person at a post office branch, and even more conveniently, at most 7-11 and other convenience stores.and even at most convenience stores.

Gas

Most buildings have a piped supply of natural gas. There are four gas companies providing natural gas in Taipei City. Payment is required within seven days of any bill, and can be made through the mail or at most local banks and many convenience stores.

Water

The city's water is potable, but tap water should always be boiled before use. Tap-water payments, which generally run about NT$500 per month (NT$5.00 per sqm), can be made at Taipei Bank branches or at any branch of the local water company and at many convenience stores. Taipei is actively pressing for the improvement of its water supply to achieve potable tap water.

Source : Taipei City Gov.