Accommodation in Taipei
Depending on your reasons for relocating, expat accommodation in Taipei can differ dramatically. High-powered businessmen that move with their families will find a very different housing market than those eager for adventure and a two-year stint teaching English.
Professionals in upper positions of management will find that the strong state of the local currency has lead analysts to predict that the price of luxury apartments in the city will continue to rise. In short, housing can be expensive, and if expecting a particular standard, be sure to negotiate carefully with your employer.
Those looking for more affordable accommodation will find plenty of cheap options. On average, accommodation is about NTD 1,000 per ping; Taiwanese measure floor space in a unit of measure called ping - 1 ping = 3.3 square metres.
Regardless of your social status; however, most accommodation in the city is found in secure apartment blocks that have stair access to upper floors; elevators are scarce except in the case of the most luxurious complexes. The most expensive accommodation in Taipei is located in areas closest to the city centre and decreases in price as you move into the periphery.
Expats will find that when compared with western standards, apartments in Taiwan may be small and close together will little option for outdoor space.
There are both unfurnished and furnished apartments in Taipei, though appliances can also be negotiated piecemeal in many situations.
In many cases employers, both large multinational companies and even smaller language schools, will provide either assistance finding accommodation or will bundle free accommodation in a remuneration package.
Expats should be sure to do adequate research surrounding the arrangement if this is the case. Apartments in Taipei are often smaller and sub-standard to western equivalents, also be wary of accepting a lesser salary in lieu of an accommodation allowance.
It is even suggested to spend some initial time in a hotel until suitable accommodation can be found once you've had a chance to get a feel for the city and view the available options.
For those moving to Taiwan to teach English, it's possible to find flat shares with other expats quite easily; an experience that both saves money and often creates meaningful social connections.
It is recommended to enlist the help of an agent to find accommodation in Taipei. There are plenty of options and most charge half of one month's rent for their services.
A two or three month deposit is required upon the signing of a lease, depending on the landlord. However, it is often possible to negotiate that the payment of this lump sum be spread over two or three months to help ease initial expenses.
Basic utilities depend on the building type and the location, but generally are up to the standards maintained in most developed nations.
Professionals in upper positions of management will find that the strong state of the local currency has lead analysts to predict that the price of luxury apartments in the city will continue to rise. In short, housing can be expensive, and if expecting a particular standard, be sure to negotiate carefully with your employer. Those looking for more affordable accommodation will find plenty of cheap options. On average, accommodation is about NTD 1,000 per ping; Taiwanese measure floor space in a unit of measure called ping - 1 ping = 3.3 square metres.
Regardless of your social status; however, most accommodation in the city is found in secure apartment blocks that have stair access to upper floors; elevators are scarce except in the case of the most luxurious complexes. The most expensive accommodation in Taipei is located in areas closest to the city centre and decreases in price as you move into the periphery.
Expats will find that when compared with western standards, apartments in Taiwan may be small and close together will little option for outdoor space.
There are both unfurnished and furnished apartments in Taipei, though appliances can also be negotiated piecemeal in many situations.
In many cases employers, both large multinational companies and even smaller language schools, will provide either assistance finding accommodation or will bundle free accommodation in a remuneration package.
Expats should be sure to do adequate research surrounding the arrangement if this is the case. Apartments in Taipei are often smaller and sub-standard to western equivalents, also be wary of accepting a lesser salary in lieu of an accommodation allowance.
It is even suggested to spend some initial time in a hotel until suitable accommodation can be found once you've had a chance to get a feel for the city and view the available options.
For those moving to Taiwan to teach English, it's possible to find flat shares with other expats quite easily; an experience that both saves money and often creates meaningful social connections.
It is recommended to enlist the help of an agent to find accommodation in Taipei. There are plenty of options and most charge half of one month's rent for their services.
A two or three month deposit is required upon the signing of a lease, depending on the landlord. However, it is often possible to negotiate that the payment of this lump sum be spread over two or three months to help ease initial expenses.
Basic utilities depend on the building type and the location, but generally are up to the standards maintained in most developed nations.
