Typical Apartment-Hunting Timelines for Expats

1. Serviced Apartments: < 1 week

If you’re open to serviced apartments or flexible short-term rentals, the process is often very fast.

These properties:

• Are used to foreign tenants

• Rarely require ARC approval

• Have standardized contracts

• Offer English communication

• Fully furnished, cleaned and ready to move in

They are ideal for:

• Newly arrived expats

• Gold Card holders awaiting documents

• Professionals on short assignments

Trade-offs: higher monthly rent and not ideal for families due to size

2. Standard Residential Apartments (Most Expats): 1–3 Weeks

This is the most common scenario.

The timeline usually looks like this:

• Days 1–3: Apartment viewings

• Days 4–7: Shortlisting & negotiation and re-viewing favored apartments 

• Days 7–14: Landlord decision & lease review

• Days 10–21: Contract signing & move-in

3. Competitive or High-Demand Apartments: 2–4+ Weeks

If you are looking for:

• A specific MRT line

• A popular expat district (Da’an, Xinyi, Zhongshan)

• New buildings with elevators and management

• Lower-than-market pricing

Expect longer timelines due to:

• Multiple applicants

• Landlords choosing “lower-risk” tenants

• Extended decision-making

What Factors Most Affect How Long It Takes?

Visa & ARC Status

While an ARC is not legally required, many landlords strongly prefer it.

Without an ARC:

• Approval rates drop

• Negotiations take longer

• Some landlords refuse outright

Expats with:

• Gold Cards

• Employment contracts

• Company guarantees

usually move faster.

Budget vs Expectations

One of the biggest causes of delay is mismatch between budget and expectations.

Common examples:

• Expecting Western-style layouts at local pricing

• Wanting new buildings in prime districts at mid-range rent

In Taipei, flexibility = speed.

Location Choice

Apartments near MRT stations (especially within 5 minutes) are:

• More expensive

• More competitive

• Rented faster

Being open to:

• 7–10 minute walks

• Adjacent districts

can cut search time in half.

Communication & Language Barriers

Many listings are:

• Chinese-only

• Managed informally

• Unresponsive to English inquiries

This slows down self-searching dramatically for foreigners.

Why Expats Often Feel the Process Takes “Too Long”

The issue isn’t a lack of apartments—it’s market structure and expectations.

In Taiwan:

• Landlords choose tenants, not the other way around

• Speed matters, but trust matters more

• Verbal agreements mean little without paperwork

This cultural difference catches many expats off guard.

How to Find an Apartment Faster in Taipei (Proven Tips)

Work With an Expat-Focused Rental Agency

Agencies that specialize in foreigners:

• Pre-filter ARC-flexible landlords

• Arrange multiple viewings

Finding an apartment in Taipei is rarely about speed alone—it’s about understanding the system, aligning expectations, and knowing how decisions are really made. For expats, the process often feels longer not because housing is scarce, but because Taiwan’s rental market operates very differently from what many foreigners are used to.

With the right preparation, realistic timelines, and local guidance, renting in Taipei can be efficient, transparent, and even stress-free. The key is avoiding rushed decisions, knowing which factors truly matter to landlords, and positioning yourself as a reliable long-term tenant from the start.

At UR HOUSE, we work exclusively with expats and international professionals, helping them navigate the rental process with clarity and confidence—from initial viewings to successful move-in. Whether you are newly arrived or planning your next move, having the right support can make all the difference.

If you’re ready to find a home in Taipei without unnecessary delays or uncertainty, our team is here to help every step of the way.