TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Taiwan is experiencing a shift in the age profile of mortgage borrowers.
Data from 2012 to 2025 shows that the 30–40 age group has long been the main mortgage cohort. Its share of new mortgages declined from 37.3% in 2012 to 34.8% last year, CNA reported Friday.
Meanwhile, the 40–50 age group has risen from 27.5% to 31.1%, reaching a historical high. Lai Chih-chang (賴志昶), deputy public relations manager at Great Home Realty, said several factors contribute to this trend.
High property prices have extended the time needed to save for down payments, keeping many consumers on the sidelines. Many in their 30s remain unmarried, delay childbearing, or continue living with family, postponing home purchases.
Younger buyers also tend to delay purchases, expecting prices to fall. With price declines limited or prices continuing to rise, many enter the market around age 40, boosting the share of this age group.
Hsu Chia-hsin (徐佳馨), executive director of Hb Housing’s planning research office, cautioned that buyers over 40 may face limits on mortgage terms, as banks often cap total age plus loan term at 75 or 80 years. A 45-year-old first-time buyer, for example, may struggle to secure a long-term loan, increasing monthly payments.
Housing market expert Lee Tung-jung (李同榮) said Taiwan's housing market is showing a “K-shaped divergence.” Prices rise in cities with strong economies, tech hubs, growing populations, and good transport, while areas with declining populations, weak industries, or limited access face stagnating or falling prices, according to LTN.
