Even if we're trying our best on Taiwan Housing to avoid scams, it’s essential to stay vigilant when using a real estate website. Here are some tips to help you navigate safely:
1. Beware of too-good-to-be-true deals
Some informations can give you hints that it may be a scam :
- If a listing is significantly cheaper than similar properties
- If a listing looks really fancy compares to others at the same price
Trust your instincts.
2. Don’t wire money
Avoid wiring money or sending payments before meeting the landlord or seller in person. Use secure payment methods when transactions are necessary.
3. Communicate securely
Use official channels to communicate with agents or landlords. Avoid sharing personal information too early in the process.
4. Meet in person
Always try to visit the property in person before making any commitments. If that’s not possible, consider a video tour.
5. Inspect the property
Conduct a thorough inspection of the property. Look for signs of fraud, like inconsistencies in its condition or documentation.
Water damages
🔍 Interior inspection
1. Walls and ceilings
- Look for stains: Brown or yellow stains on walls/ceilings suggest past leaks.
- Check for bubbling paint or peeling wallpaper – indicates moisture behind the surface.
- Touch walls: Damp or unusually cool spots can indicate trapped moisture.
2. Corners and baseboards
- Mold or mildew in corners, especially near windows, is a red flag.
- Warped or rotting baseboards show long-term exposure to water.
3. Ceiling tiles or plaster
In older apartments (especially "old-style" apartments), cracked plaster may be caused by recurring leaks.
🚽 Bathroom and kitchen
Check around sinks, toilets, and bathtubs for:
- Soft flooring
- Water stains or mold on tiles and walls
- Open under-sink cabinets: Feel for dampness or signs of rot.
🪟 Windows and air conditioning
- Look for mold or dark stains on window sills or frames.
- Check for condensation inside window panes – a sign of poor insulation or trapped moisture.
- AC drainage systems (especially in older buildings) may leak onto floors or walls.
🧱 Exterior and structure (if accessible)
- Cracks in the outer wall near windows/balconies could let water in during typhoons.
- Check the roof (for top-floor apartments) or ask about the condition of the rooftop waterproofing.
🛠️ Basements and Storage Rooms
- Musty smell = moisture buildup or lack of ventilation.
- Taiwan basements often have poor waterproofing; mold or standing water is a red flag.
💨 Ventilation and Mold Check
- Open cabinets and closets: smell for mold.
- Ask how often the property gets sunlight and airflow.
- Consider bringing a small humidity meter (or ask the owner for recent readings).
🧾 Questions to Ask the Agent/Landlord
- Has the unit ever had typhoon flooding or leaks?
- When was the last waterproofing done on the roof/balcony?
- Are there known problems with plumbing in the building?
- Is there a property management fund for maintenance?
🧑🔧 Optional: Hire a Professional
You can hire a building inspector (some bilingual) to perform a detailed structural and water damage check, especially for purchases. Cost ranges from NT$5,000–15,000.
🪳 How to check for cockroach problems
Cockroaches are relatively common in Taiwan due to the warm and humid climate. However, in a clean and well-maintained property, infestations are usually avoidable.
When inspecting a place:
- Look for cockroach traps or poison bait tucked away in corners, under sinks, or inside drawers. Their presence may indicate a current or past issue.
- Check dark and moist areas like behind the fridge, under the kitchen sink, or inside bathroom cabinets—these are favorite hiding spots.
- Open drawers and cabinets and look for droppings (tiny black specks), egg casings, or musty smells, which could be signs of activity.
- Inspect drains and floor traps (especially in bathrooms and kitchens) for signs of poor sealing—cockroaches can enter through plumbing in older buildings.
Don't hesitate to ask the landlord or agent directly if there have been any pest control treatments or recent sightings. It's better to be sure than to assume.
6. Check ownership
Use public records to confirm the seller is the rightful owner of the property.
7. Trust your gut
If something feels off or too rushed, take a step back. Scammers often create a sense of urgency.
8. Consult professionals
Work with licensed real estate agents or legal professionals who can guide you through the process and help identify potential scams.
You can also verify on the website of the government if you're able to read traditional chinese :
- Go first on the government website
- Then click on "經紀人員證書(明)" (Broker certificate) in the menu
- Once on the form page to check a licence, you have to fill few fields
- The name of the agent
- The certificate
- The verification code (Other fields are optionals)
- Finally submit the form and if all the informations are filled correctly you should see the agent listed
9. Report suspicious activity
If you encounter a scam, report it to the website and local authorities to help prevent others from falling victim.
Staying informed and cautious can help you navigate the real estate market safely!
We will try to add more informations from time to time to this article, in the hope of a safe research for everybody.
