TAIPEI (TVBS News) — President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) announced plans to significantly increase social housing and subleasing units during a television interview on Sunday (Sep. 1). Lai aims to add 130,000 social housing units and 170,000 subleasing units within his eight-year term, reaching a total of 250,000 units each.
Lai emphasized the continuation of former President Tsai Ing-wen's (蔡英文) housing policies. He also plans to expand the subsidy program, which will benefit 250,000 households.
According to the Ministry of Interior (MOI, 內政部), over 800,000 households in Taiwan need rental housing. Lai stated that 1 million households will benefit if he achieves his goals in social housing, subleasing, and the subsidy program.
Addressing concerns about the new housing loan program for young homebuyers (新青安貸款), Lai clarified that the Central Bank (中央銀行) has not imposed any loan restrictions. He explained that the Central Bank reminds banks that they should not exceed 30% of their assets in real estate financing, but they must honor existing contracts and first-time homebuyers.
Lai criticized financial institutions for overreacting and said Premier Cho Jung-tai (卓榮泰) would discuss the matter with the Central Bank governor.
When asked about the controversy surrounding Taiwan People's Party (TPP, 台灣民眾黨) Chairman Ko Wen-je's (柯文哲) wife viewing an NT$120 million property, Lai avoided commenting on individual actions. He stated, "As president, I am concerned about whether ordinary people can have a place to live."
