Most existing studies on the behavior of real estate appraisers focus on the issues around the independence of the appraiser. This study uses a questionnaire to measure the objectivity of real estate appraisers which involves six indicators related to the appraisal process, and divides the factors that affect the objectivity of real estate appraisers in Taiwan into four categories, namely, the opinion of the appraiser regarding the future development of the real estate appraisal industry, current real estate appraisal approaches and behavior of other appraisers, and the characteristics of real estate appraisers and their firms. The empirical results reveal that the income of appraisers relative to other professionals and public opinion in relation to the fairness of real estate appraisers are the two most important factors that affect the objectivity of real estate appraisers. Furthermore, the work experience of the appraiser, total revenue of the real estate appraisal firm, and independence of the final appraisal result all significantly and positively affect the objectivity of the real estate appraisers, and the awareness of a lack of appraisers in the market significantly and negatively affects their objectivity. These findings are helpful to the healthy development of real estate appraisal and its related industries.

Social housing projects often face the “not-in-my-back-yard” (NIMBY) backlash from the local community who oppose and reject their construction. Considering the prevalence of NIMBY, this study examines the factors that influence the attitude of the public towards social housing construction under high home ownership rates. We conduct an ordered logistic regression analysis by using 14,275 responses from the 2015 Residential Status Survey in Taiwan. The results show some interesting findings. First, home ownership and families with a child under 18 are two of the most influential variables that have significantly negative influences on the approval of social housing construction. Renters and people with physical and mental disabilities are however more supportive of social housing. Secondly, residents in buildings with high development intensity are very supportive of the construction of social housing. Thirdly, satisfaction with neighborhood environment has a positive impact on social housing approval. Finally, residents who live in dense cities tend to support the construction of social housing. However, residents who live in satellite cities of a metropolitan region are less supportive. The results of this study reveal a regional difference in the approval of residents for social housing construction.