Taiwanese are waiting ever longer to get married, according to the national statistics bureau. The average age for a man to get married is now 32, and on average women are almost 30 when they walk down the aisle -- that''s more than 2 years older than a decade ago. The main reason? Unaffordable housing. This apartment tempts buyers with its beautiful views. But many potential house-buyers are put off by astronomic property prices. Home ownership has become one of the cruelest rites of passage for couples hoping to get married. According to a new report from the Directorate General of Budget, Accounting and Statistics, the median age of first marriages in Taiwan is rising every year. In 2016, it stood at 32 years for men and 29.7 for women – up 2.2 years from a decade ago.Experts believe that a housing market out of step with wages is the main driver of the trend towards later and later marriage.Prof. Chuang Ming-hangTakming University of Science and TechnologyThis period of rising prices started in the second half of 2003 and continued until the present. At the highest point, property prices in Taipei City had increased by about 130%. No matter you much you’re making, it’s unlikely that you’ll amass NT$10 million in assets in ten years. Experts say that young people are putting most of their earnings into paying off mortgages, with no extra money to support their parents or raise children. This will affect the birth rate and even long-term care for the elderly.
