Taiwan's Housing Conundrum: A Tale of Scarcity Amidst Abundance
台灣的住居難題:豐富中的稀缺
Part One: Original Excerpt, by Nina Raffio, USC Today
第一部分:原始摘錄,出自 Nina Raffio 撰寫,刊於 USC Today
Title: Long before the L.A. fires, America’s housing crisis displaced millions
標題:早在洛杉磯大火之前,美國的住房危機便已迫使數百萬人流離失所
America’s housing crisis is not a fleeting concern but a deep-rooted condition, predating the catastrophes that draw the media’s eye. Even before the L.A. fires, countless families were struggling with inadequate housing options, rampant evictions, and indifferent policymakers.
美國的住房危機並非稍縱即逝的煩惱,而是一種根深蒂固的狀態,早在那些吸引媒體目光的災難發生之前就已潛伏。即使在洛杉磯大火之前,無數家庭就已在不敷需求的住屋選擇、肆意橫行的驅逐潮,以及漠不關心的政策制定者之間苦苦掙扎。
Indeed, natural disasters only magnify a dilemma shaped by decades of ill-conceived urban planning, rising property values, and declining affordability.
的確,天災僅僅是放大了這項長達數十年、由錯誤都市規劃、房價攀升與購買力下滑所交織而成的兩難。
The article highlights how many people, especially low-income workers, have been forced to relocate due to escalating rents and stagnant wages. These individuals often end up in overcrowded apartments or distant suburbs, where transport costs climb and community ties weaken.
文中提到,許多人——尤其是低收入勞工——因房租節節高升且工資停滯不前,被迫搬離他們原先的生活空間。這些人最終只能擠身在過度擁擠的公寓,或遠離都市中心的郊區,那裡的交通開銷不斷累積,社群聯繫也逐漸淡去。
Despite political pledges, there remains a severe shortfall in social housing and support services. Local authorities sometimes focus more on zoning disputes than on constructing the sort of mixed-tenure developments that might ease this burden.
雖然不時能聽到政治人物的承諾,社會住宅與配套服務的缺口依然相當嚴峻。地方政府有時更在意區劃上的紛爭,而不是著手興建能舒緩此負擔的多元居住型態建案。
The story unfolds through accounts of entire neighbourhoods changing hands, small landlords selling to large corporate owners, and tenants facing abrupt rent hikes.
這個故事隨著整個街區產權的易手、小房東將資產售予大型企業,以及房客遭遇突如其來的租金飆漲等情節而徐徐展開。
While this dynamic can drive investment in once-neglected areas, it also fragments established communities and accelerates gentrification. Without fair protections or adequate compensation, the displaced often drift into less stable living situations, at constant risk of homelessness.
即使此種動態會為原本被忽視的地區帶來投資契機,卻同時使原有社群破碎,加速了高級化進程。若少了公平的保障或充足的補償,這些被迫遷徙的人們往往只能漂泊於更不穩定的居所,一直面臨流落街頭的危險。
There is also an environmental dimension: wildfires and other climate-related crises exacerbate an already fragile system. Homes destroyed or rendered uninhabitable tighten an overstretched market still further.
同時,還有環境層面的因素:野火以及其他氣候相關的災難,使原本就脆弱不堪的體系更加傷痕累累。被摧毀或無法居住的房屋,進一步扭緊了本就供不應求的市場。
Those lacking robust insurance find themselves scrambling for temporary accommodation, compounding the original shortage. In essence, the article’s core argument is that housing in America has become a privilege rather than a right.
對沒有足夠保險的人來說,他們只能手忙腳亂地尋找臨時住所,讓原本就嚴峻的缺口更加難以彌補。總的來說,文章的主旨在於:在美國,住房已不再是基本權利,而成了一項特權。
A comprehensive response must involve a mix of prudent regulation, enhanced tenant protection, and a concerted effort to build affordable units. Local leaders, developers, and civic groups need to collaborate, ensuring that homes are both resilient to natural disasters and accessible to ordinary people.
要徹底解決問題,就必須綜合運用謹慎的政策規範、加強對租戶的保障,並合力興建足以負擔的居住空間。地方首長、開發商以及市民團體須緊密協作,好讓住宅能兼具對天災的韌性與對一般民眾的可及性。
This is not simply about rebuilding after each fire, but about forging a fairer, more inclusive model of urban life for generations to come.
這不僅止於每一次火災過後的重建,更在於為後世打造一個更公平、更具包容性的城市生活模式。
Part Two: Our Viewpoint
第二部分:我們的觀點
Taiwan's Housing Conundrum: A Tale of Scarcity Amidst Abundance
台灣的住居難題:豐富中的稀缺
As we step into 2025, Taiwan’s housing market continues to grapple with challenges that defy simple explanations.
踏入2025年之際,台灣的住房市場仍面臨著種種難以一言蔽之的考驗。
Renowned for its technological prowess and economic resilience, the island nation has seen rising property values and significant investments, marginalising citizens who cannot access affordable homes.
這個以科技實力與經濟韌性而聞名的島嶼,房價與投資雙雙走高,同時也讓無法負擔住房的民眾逐漸被排擠在外。
Let us examine the trends, forecasts, and underlying factors now shaping Taiwan’s property sector.
就讓我們一同探究當前塑造台灣房地產市場的趨勢、預測以及深層影響因素。
In recent decades, a mounting unease has culminated in what many observers call a full-blown housing crisis, echoing struggles worldwide—such as in the United States, noted by the University of Southern California’s piece on displacement—where soaring housing costs have displaced entire communities.
近幾十年來,愈演愈烈的不安終於演變成許多評論者口中的全面住房危機,與世界各地的困境相呼應——例如南加州大學關於遷離問題的研究提到,在美國,高漲的房價迫使整個社區被迫遷徙。
This dilemma stems from both economic and social forces that influence supply, demand, and the very notion of housing justice.
這項難題源自經濟與社會雙重因素的交互影響,不僅牽動市場的供需,也動搖了人們對「居住正義」的根本想像。
Taiwan’s predicament revolves around several interlocking components: demographic shifts, a tradition of property investment, and government policies lagging behind market realities.
台灣眼下的難題,是由多重環環相扣的因素構成:人口結構的變遷、延續已久的房產投資文化,以及政府政策往往追不上市場現況。
Beneath a veneer of economic success lies an alarming truth: many households find themselves priced out, while numerous properties remain conspicuously unoccupied—some belonging to speculative investors, others awaiting higher sale values—thereby challenging the essence of housing justice.
在看似繁榮的經濟表象之下,潛藏著一項令人警醒的真實:許多家庭因房價太高而望而卻步,卻也有大量房屋空置——有些屬於投機客之手,有些則等待更高的出售時機——這種矛盾正撼動了居住正義的根基。
Within this environment, calls have arisen for more stringent measures, including additional taxes on vacant “idle homes,” to deter speculation and reinject needed housing stock into the market.
在這樣的情勢裡,越來越多人呼籲採取更嚴格的措施,其中包括對空屋徵收額外稅費,以抑制炒作並把所需的住房供應重新導入市場。
Meanwhile, activists urge direct governmental intervention, contending that public authorities should allocate empty residences to those in need—a proposal deeply intertwined with the idea of housing as a fundamental right.
與此同時,也有倡議者主張政府應該直接介入,將閒置住宅分配給有需要的人——這一主張與「住房乃基本權利」的思維緊密相連。
As seen from Los Angeles to London, the housing debate is both technical and moral. On one level, it tracks property prices, vacancy rates, and investment returns; on another, it interrogates societal values like fairness and inclusivity.
無論是洛杉磯或倫敦,住房議題同時具有技術面與道德面——一方面著眼於房價、空置率與投資報酬,另一方面則反映著社會在公平與包容上的內在價值。
This article offers an overview of Taiwan’s housing crisis, examines conflicts between escalating vacancy rates and urgent demand, explores the feasibility of a vacant-home tax, and considers how public authorities might adopt a more dynamic role in ensuring housing justice.
本篇文章將概述台灣的住房危機,探討空置率逐步攀升與居住需求殷切之間的矛盾,並審視空屋稅的可行性,同時思考政府部門如何更積極地維持居住正義。
Ultimately, the issue transcends economics, prompting reflection on how best to balance market incentives with the imperative of safeguarding a fundamental human need.
歸根結底,這不再只是經濟層面的課題,也促使人們深思,該如何在市場誘因與守護人類基本需求之間取得微妙的平衡。
Taiwan’s Housing Crisis: An Overview of Population and Demand
台灣住房危機:人口與需求的概述
Taiwan’s population dynamics have evolved over the years, reflecting both natural population growth and migration.
台灣的人口結構多年来持續演變,反映著自然成長與遷徙移動的種種變化。
Currently, overall population growth has slowed considerably, which one might think would ease housing demand. However, the demand for homes continues for a variety of reasons.
如今,人口總數成長已大幅放緩,也許會讓人以為住房需求應相對減少。然而,實際上居住需求因種種緣故仍然保持旺盛。
While a segment of the population looks for homes to occupy, another portion seeks property primarily for investment or as a hedge against economic uncertainties.
有一部分人需要住房作為安身立命之所,也有另一部分人將房屋視作投資標的,或用來對沖經濟的種種不穩定性。
This dual demand—owner-occupier versus investor—has contributed to a substantial rise in property prices in the major conurbations of Taipei, New Taipei, Taichung, and Kaohsiung. A critical factor is the cultural valuation of property ownership in Taiwanese society.
這種自住與投資並存的雙重需求,在台北、新北、台中以及高雄等主要都會區推動房價不斷攀升。在台灣社會,房屋所有權本身所具有的文化意義,堪稱一項關鍵因素。
Unlike in some Western contexts where renting can be a perfectly acceptable long-term solution, many Taiwanese families regard homeownership as central to financial security and familial stability.
不同於部分西方觀念將租屋視作可長期持續的選擇,許多台灣家庭都將「擁有房子」視為經濟安定與家庭穩固的核心。
This preference has invariably heightened the desire to purchase real estate, driving demand even in areas where the local population may be in decline.
也因著這種偏好,帶動了房地產市場的購買慾,即使在人口流失的地區,房屋需求仍居高不下。
Consequently, construction firms and developers have seized upon this appetite for property, building new residential towers and developments, often with an eye on future returns. Against this backdrop, Taiwan’s housing market has become highly stratified.
因此,建築公司與開發商積極把握民眾對房產的渴望,興建新的住宅大樓與開發案,並往往期待透過未來的增值獲取回報。在這樣的背景之下,台灣的住房市場日益分化。
Wealthy buyers and institutional investors tend to focus on high-end developments, which can sometimes remain unoccupied whilst their owners wait for an opportune moment to sell.
富裕買家與機構投資人往往鎖定高端建案,而這些住宅可能長期空置,等待時機成熟再行出售。
Meanwhile, for many lower- and middle-income individuals, the cost of purchasing or even renting in city centres has become prohibitive, prompting them to consider moving to distant suburbs or less-developed regions.
而對許多中低收入者而言,在都市中心購屋或租屋的花費已經難以負擔,使他們不得不轉往偏遠郊區或開發程度較低的地區。
Such patterns mirror, in part, the broader global housing crisis described in the article from the University of Southern California, where entire segments of society have effectively been displaced by skyrocketing costs.
這種現象部分呼應了南加州大學所闡述的全球住房危機,隨著房價不斷攀升,整個社會的某些群體被迫流離失所。
Although Taiwan’s situation differs in certain respects—particularly regarding public housing policies—it shares a common thread of urban housing inequality, reflecting an imbalance between supply and affordability.
雖然台灣在部分面向(特別是公營住宅政策)與他國情況有所差異,但核心仍是都市住房的不平等,反映出供給與負擔能力之間的嚴重落差。
Vacancy Rates and Real Estate Growth: Exploring the Conflict
空置率與房地產成長:衝突的探究
One of the most striking elements of Taiwan’s housing crisis is the simultaneous presence of a high vacancy rate and persistent demand for accommodation.
台灣住房危機中最令人瞠目結舌的地方之一,在於高空置率與持續不斷的住屋需求同時並存。
Official figures vary, but estimates suggest a vacancy rate hovering around or exceeding 10% in some urban areas. This stands in stark contrast to growing concerns among citizens who cannot secure adequate housing.
雖然官方數據略有差異,但有些都市地區的空屋率約莫在10%上下,甚至更高。這與民眾對適宜住宅的迫切需求形成強烈對比。
Several factors contribute to this conundrum. First, the practice of property speculation has played a profound role.
有多重因素造成這種局面。首先,房市炒作的盛行在其中扮演了極為關鍵的角色。
Investors who buy multiple properties may leave them empty in anticipation of future price surges, effectively treating real estate as a financial instrument rather than a source of shelter.
投資人往往擁有多處房產,刻意將其空置,只為等待房價飆升,將不動產視為金融商品,而非提供庇護的居所。
Second, certain newly built complexes, aimed at the luxury market, are priced beyond the reach of ordinary households and thus linger on the market for extended periods.
其次,一些專為高端市場打造的新建案價格高昂,遠超過一般家庭能負擔的範圍,以致長期滯留在市場上。
Developers, for their part, often argue that the presence of unoccupied units is a temporary phenomenon and that the market will eventually balance itself through the basic principles of supply and demand.
面對質疑,開發商通常主張空屋只是一時現象,並相信市場終會透過供需的自我調節恢復平衡。
They also cite economic factors such as rising construction costs and land prices, contending that homes cannot be sold cheaply without incurring substantial losses. Regardless of these assertions, the persistence of high vacancy rates suggests a deeper structural mismatch in the market.
他們同時強調建材與地價的成本飆升,認為若要平價出售房屋,勢必會造成重大虧損。然而,無論這些說法如何,高空置率持續不下本身即顯示市場存在更深層的結構性錯位。
On a societal level, this conflict has led to frustration. How can it be that, even as thousands lack stable housing, properties stand empty? Such contradictions trigger debates around the ethics of property ownership and whether it should carry a social responsibility.
在社會層面,此種矛盾帶來一種強烈的不滿:為何依舊有成千上萬人無屋可住,卻有數不清的房子空置?這樣的衝突激起社會對房產擁有權道德性的熱議,並延伸出房屋是否應該承擔社會責任的疑問。
Indeed, critics argue that housing, being a fundamental human need, should not be viewed purely as a speculative asset. Echoing global sentiments, Taiwanese activists have begun calling for legislative and policy instruments that align property practices with broader social good.
事實上,批評者認為住房作為人類基本需求,絕不該被簡單視為用以炒作的資產。呼應國際風潮,台灣的社運人士也開始呼籲立法與政策介入,以使房地產的實踐更貼近公共利益。
Proposals for a Vacant Home Tax
空屋稅的提案
Into this charged atmosphere steps the concept of a “vacant home tax,” an idea that has gained traction in various parts of the world.
在這股緊繃的氛圍中,「空屋稅」的概念浮現,並已在世界多地逐漸引起注意。
The premise is straightforward: impose a levy on properties left unoccupied for an extended period, thereby incentivising owners to rent or sell. In Taiwan, this proposal has surfaced repeatedly, often prompting heated discussions among legislators, economists, and stakeholders in the property sector.
其原理並不複雜:對長期空置的房產課以稅金,以此激勵房東將房屋投入租賃或出售。在台灣,這項提議反覆被提出,並經常在立法委員、經濟學者與房地產領域利害關係人之間引發熱烈討論。
Advocates for such a tax argue that it would reduce speculation and push more properties into the rental market. By increasing the cost of leaving dwellings empty, landlords would be compelled to lower rents or put their properties up for sale.
支持者認為,這麼做能減少投機行為,並把更多房屋推向租賃市場。當空置成本提高,房東便不得不降租或出售,才能避免造成更多損失。
Ultimately, this could ease supply pressures and moderate housing prices, contributing to a healthier market overall. However, critics caution that a vacant home tax could prove ineffective or, worse, counterproductive if not carefully designed.
最終,整體房市能因供給壓力的舒緩而更趨穩定,房價也因此得到一定程度的抑制。但批評者警告,若此項稅制設計不夠縝密,可能效果有限,甚至適得其反。
They note that identifying genuinely vacant properties can be more complex than it appears, given the range of personal and business circumstances that might lead to temporary vacancies. Moreover, owners with deep financial resources may opt to hold onto properties anyway, absorbing the additional cost without much difficulty.
他們指出,判定房屋是否「真正空置」其實相當複雜,因為短暫空屋可能出於個人或商業因素所造成。此外,財力雄厚的屋主可能仍選擇持有空屋,將額外的成本輕鬆消化掉。
Some local governments around the globe have tested variations of such taxes, with mixed results. In Vancouver, Canada, a policy known as the Empty Homes Tax has been linked to an increase in the number of units entering the rental market, suggesting that strategic taxation can be a useful lever.
世界各地已有地方政府針對空屋稅進行了不同版本的嘗試,成果亦好壞參半。在加拿大溫哥華,所謂「空屋稅」政策實施後的確推動更多閒置住宅投入租賃市場,顯示適當的稅制有其助益。
Nonetheless, replicating this experience in Taiwan would demand meticulous examination of local conditions, legal frameworks, and tax structures.
然而,要在台灣照搬此種經驗,仍需審慎評估在地情況、法規結構以及稅制設計。
Practically speaking, a vacant home tax in Taiwan would need to be accompanied by robust data collection to distinguish short-term vacant homes from those that are perpetually idle.
實務上,若要在台灣推行空屋稅,就必須先建立完整的數據收集機制,以區分臨時空置與長期閒置的住宅。
Implementing a transparent and accurate system of property registration would be critical, lest the measure become mired in disputes over who owes what. Additionally, the revenue from such a tax could be earmarked for social housing programmes, thereby further reinforcing the policy’s goal of improving housing accessibility.
施行一個公開、精準的房屋登記制度至關重要,否則可能會因責任歸屬不明而引發無盡爭議。此外,透過將空屋稅收用於發展社會住宅,也能進一步強化此政策提升居住可及性的核心理念。
Government Intervention: Filling the Gap for Housing Justice
政府介入:填補居住正義的缺口
Alongside taxation, a more direct intervention by the public sector is a recurrent topic of conversation.
除了稅制外,公共部門更直接的介入方式也時常被拿來討論。
Some housing advocates suggest that local or central governments could acquire unoccupied properties—via purchase, long-term leases, or other legal frameworks—and subsequently make them available to households in need.
部分居住倡議者提出,地方或中央政府可透過買下、長期租賃或其他法律手段取得空置住宅,進而提供給有需要的家庭使用。
This approach would effectively transform a vacant private commodity into a public asset, bridging the gap between unused real estate and those lacking a stable dwelling.
這種做法將原本的私人閒置資產轉化為公共財,使多餘的房屋資源與無家可歸的人們之間產生一條有效的連結。
The rationale for such governmental involvement is manifold.
政府介入的理由相當多元。
First, it recognises that housing is a social good, integral to maintaining community cohesion and ensuring the well-being of citizens.
首先,此舉承認了住房本身具社會公益性,對社群凝聚與人民福祉都舉足輕重。
Second, it addresses the inefficiency of allowing valuable space to remain dormant while the public shoulders the consequences of homelessness or cramped living conditions.
其次,它也能避免寶貴的空間資源被閒置,而大眾卻要承擔無家可歸或居住空間狹促帶來的種種後果。
Third, it provides an immediate remedy to certain socio-economic problems, particularly for lower-income families or young professionals. Yet critics maintain that this approach might encroach upon property rights, a sacrosanct principle in many jurisdictions, including Taiwan.
最後,此舉也能立刻紓解部分社會經濟困境,尤其能幫助低收入戶與初入社會的年輕世代。然而,也有人認為此種做法恐怕侵犯了「財產權」這一在多數地區(包括台灣)都極為神聖的原則。
Any policy enabling the government to use vacant properties—even with compensation—would have to be crafted with precision to avoid legal challenges and to ensure fairness. Additionally, critics warn that public agencies could be overwhelmed by the administrative burden of identifying, managing, and refurbishing homes.
所以,若要政府能使用空置住房,即便有補償,也必須透過嚴謹的設計,才能避免觸法爭議並確保公平性。另外,也有人擔心公共機關難以負荷辨別、管理與翻修空屋的龐大行政工作。
Questions also arise about the logistical feasibility: how quickly could a government-led scheme transition empty units into liveable spaces, and at what cost?
而在執行層面上也有疑慮:政府要如何以合理花費與速度,將空置房屋改裝成適宜居住的空間?
Nevertheless, proponents underscore that well-structured intervention can catalyse positive change, particularly in conjunction with existing social housing programmes. A public-private partnership model might prove beneficial.
不過,支持者仍強調,只要設計妥善,政府介入能帶來實質正面轉變,尤其若能與現行的社會住宅政策配合。公私協力的模式或許更能發揮功效。
For instance, local authorities could collaborate with property owners to refurbish and rent out vacant units at subsidised rates, with certain tax benefits or financial incentives in return.
舉例來說,地方政府可與屋主合作,協助翻修並以補貼租金方式釋出空屋,同時透過稅賦優惠或財務獎勵回饋給屋主。
This synergy would enable a more balanced distribution of responsibilities and risks, encouraging owners to release unused stock without alienating them through punitive measures alone.
此種合作能在責任與風險上更為均衡,也能在不僅以懲罰手段的情況下,讓屋主願意釋出閒置房屋。
Ensuring Housing Justice through Collaboration and Regulation
透過協作與規範實現居住正義
If the impetus behind greater housing justice is to treat dwellings as more than mere investment vehicles, then a marriage of progressive policy, robust data, and a shift in societal attitudes will be necessary.
若想讓居住正義向前邁進,就必須超越將房屋視為投資工具的思維,並依靠前瞻政策、完備數據以及整個社會觀念的轉變。
The experiences of jurisdictions around the world demonstrate that no single policy can untangle the complexities of housing crises.
環顧全球經驗,不難發現任何單一政策都無法一蹴而就地化解住房危機的複雜性。
Instead, a multi-pronged approach—combining a vacant home tax, prudent government intervention, supportive legislation, and community engagement—often yields the most durable results.
相對地,綜合運用空屋稅、謹慎的政府介入、相應法規,以及社區參與的多元手段,才往往能帶來較為穩固的成果。
A holistic approach to housing justice might also encompass broader reforms in areas such as tenant protection, rent control, and redevelopment strategies that prioritise affordable stock.
全面的居住正義方案,同樣可能需要在租客保障、租金管制與以可負擔住宅為優先的都市更新等方面進行更廣泛的改革。
Civil society organisations can play a crucial role by fostering dialogue between residents, the government, and industry players. The narrative around housing must pivot towards inclusivity, emphasising that while investment can fuel economic growth, it should not do so at the expense of fundamental human needs.
民間團體可透過推動住戶、政府與產業之間的對話,在其中扮演相當關鍵的角色。圍繞住房的討論也必須朝向包容性思考——投資雖能帶動經濟成長,但絕不能犧牲人類最基本的需求。
For Taiwan, the path forward may involve incremental steps rather than sweeping changes. Policy experimentation at the local level, particularly in municipalities with acute vacancy issues, could inform a more comprehensive strategy.
對於台灣而言,往前邁進也許更適合循序漸進,而非一蹴而就的大刀闊斧。在地方政府層級進行政策試驗,尤其是在空屋問題嚴重的地區,或許能為更完善的全國策略提供參考。
Transparent reporting requirements could be introduced so that property owners regularly declare occupancy status, providing clear data to guide taxation or other interventions.
可考慮建立透明的申報規範,讓屋主定期申報房屋使用情況,如此一來就能掌握明確數據,進行課稅或其他干預措施。
Where necessary, agencies tasked with social welfare could coordinate with planning departments to expedite the allocation of suitable vacant homes to vulnerable groups.
若有需要,主管社會福利的部門也能與都市規劃單位協調,更快速地將合適的空屋分配給弱勢族群。
This shared endeavour points to a larger realisation that housing is not solely about bricks and mortar, but about the sort of society we aim to shape.
這種共同努力,最終指向一個更深層的體認:住房不只是磚瓦的堆疊,而是我們想要打造的社會藍圖。
Whether in the context of Los Angeles’s devastating displacement or Taiwan’s empty towers, the principle remains: a home is more than four walls and a roof—it is a human right that undergirds stability, community, and opportunity.
無論在洛杉磯令人心碎的遷離事件或是台灣林立的空屋中都可看出,同樣的道理:房子不只是一個用牆與屋頂構築的結構,更是一項維繫安穩、凝聚社群、創造機會的人權。
Conclusion: Navigating Uncertain Waters
結論:在未知的水域中航行
As Taiwan enters 2025, its housing market stands at a crossroads.
步入2025年的台灣,住房市場來到了一個關鍵的十字路口。
The moderation in prices and transaction volumes may provide opportunities for some buyers, but challenges remain in addressing the paradox of high vacancy rates and ensuring affordable housing for all.
雖然價格與成交量略有緩和,對部分購屋者來說可能是個機會,但要面對高空置率與保證人人住得起的目標之間的矛盾,挑戰仍然嚴峻。
The path forward will require political courage, innovative thinking, and a fundamental shift in how housing is viewed and valued in Taiwanese society. It will necessitate a delicate balance between market forces and government intervention, between individual property rights and the collective good.
未來之路,需要政治魄力與創新思維,更需要台灣社會根本地重新思考住房的定位與價值。唯有在市場力量與政府干預之間,個人財產權與公共利益之間,取得一個微妙且合理的平衡,才能實現此目標。
Housing justice is a multi-layered concept, embracing issues of equity, community, and the broader quality of urban life. While investment in real estate will continue to occupy a significant place in Taiwan’s economic landscape, so too must the moral imperative to house the population adequately.
居住正義是個多層次的概念,它涵蓋了公平、社群以及更廣泛的城市生活品質等課題。儘管房地產投資仍然是推動台灣經濟的巨大力量,但確保國人有尊嚴地居住同樣是一項必須履行的道德責任。
By recognising that vacant homes represent lost potential, and by proactively seeking to bridge the gap between economic growth and societal well-being, Taiwan can set a powerful example.
只有看清空屋蘊藏的未竟潛力,並積極彌合經濟發展與社會福祉間的落差,台灣才有機會帶來深遠的示範作用。
Ultimately, the goal should be to create a housing ecosystem that supports economic growth, social stability, and individual well-being. This means ensuring that housing is accessible and affordable for all, from young professionals starting their careers to elderly citizens looking to age in place.
最終的目標,是打造一個能同時支撐經濟發展、社會穩定與個人幸福的住房生態體系。也就是要讓各年齡層都能夠負擔並取得合宜住宅,從初入社會的年輕人到期盼安享晚年的長者皆是如此。
The challenges are significant, but so too are the potential rewards. By solving its housing crisis, Taiwan can set an example for other nations grappling with similar issues and reaffirm its position as a progressive and forward-thinking society.
雖然困難重重,但未來的收穫也十分可期。透過破解住房危機,台灣能為其他面臨類似問題的國家提供借鏡,並重申自己身為先進且具有前瞻性社會的定位。
The time for bold action is now – the future of Taiwan's urban landscape, and indeed its social fabric, hangs in the balance.
當下正是採取大膽行動的時刻——台灣未來的城市面貌,乃至社會結構,都握在我們的抉擇之中。