Hou Yu-ih announces new housing policy for young buyers

TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Kuomintang (KMT) presidential candidate Hou Yu-ih unveiled a new housing policy on Friday (Dec. 8) aimed at assisting young people in purchasing their first homes through substantial financial support.

This policy focuses on individuals under 40 who have never owned property and face income restrictions to prevent economically privileged individuals from benefitting.

Beneficiaries of the policy can receive loans of up to NT＄15 million, with a complete exemption from down payments. Additionally, they will enjoy a 0.5% subsidy on mortgage interest rates, with public banks halving these rates after five years.

The policy, with a duration of five years, includes restrictions on the resale of purchased properties, with a maximum lock-in period of ten years to curb housing market speculation.

Hou criticized the current New Residential Loans Policy for not having an age limit, allowing those over 40 to benefit, and lacking income restrictions, enabling affluent individuals to access the policy. Furthermore, it currently benefits non-first-time buyers and lacks resale regulations, potentially leading to real estate speculation.

The new plan, described as a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, aims to ensure fairness and accessibility for those genuinely needing support to enter the property market.