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VIETNAM’S URBAN RAIL EXPANSION AND HOUSING MARKET DYNAMICS

26/01/2025

Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi Capital City are accelerating urban rail development with streamlined project timelines. Ho Chi Minh City plans to launch 3-4 metro lines by 2027-2028, aiming for a 355-kilometer network by 2035. Hanoi targets 15 lines spanning 616.9 kilometers, with Metro Line 2 set for completion by 2034. Meanwhile, affordable housing has dwindled to just 5-7% of new supply despite a 40% surge in launches in 2024. High-end apartments dominate at 60-65%, with rising prices limiting affordability and driving investor interest to suburban and tier-2 markets. For further updates and professional insights on the latest investment spotlights, residential leasing and asset management services by Arcadia Consulting Vietnam, reach us at [email protected] 

Transit-Oriented Developments Take Shape 

Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi are teaming up with the Ministry of Transport to draft a sweeping urban rail proposal, which will be submitted to the National Assembly mid-year. The plan calls for a resolution to fast-track project timelines, cutting preparation time to 3-5 years and construction time to the same range—a sharp reduction from current practices. Ho Chi Minh City is laying the groundwork for a major metro expansion. Over the next three years, it plans to finalize 3-4 metro lines, breaking ground by 2027-2028 and targeting completion by 2031-2032. Another set of metro lines is scheduled to start in 2029-2030, with operations slated for 2035. To further bolster its ambitions, the city will add two new metro lines, bringing its total network to 12. By 2035, Ho Chi Minh City expects to deliver 355 kilometers of urban rail, a transformative step for Vietnam’s largest city.

According to Hanoi’s Transport Master Plan to 2030, with a vision to 2050, the city’s urban rail network is set to include 15 lines spanning over 616.9 kilometers. As of now, only 21.5 kilometers—around 4% of the planned network—are operational. This includes the Cat Linh–Ha Dong line (13 kilometers) and the elevated section of Line 3: Nhon–Cau Giay (8.5 kilometers). Currently, Hanoi operates two elevated rail lines. The Cat Linh–Ha Dong line accommodates approximately 30,000 passengers daily, while the Nhon–Cau Giay segment of Line 3 serves around 20,000 passengers per day. Next in line is Metro Line 2, which will connect Noi Bai International Airport with Nam Thang Long, Tran Hung Dao, Thuong Dình, Belt Road 2.5, Buoi and Soc Son. Construction is expected to begin in 2024-2025, with full completion slated for 2034.

The Nelson Hanoi Arcadia Consulting Vietnam 8 Arcadia
Situated on one of the last prime pieces of land in Ba Dinh District, The Nelson Private Residences has recently created waves in the luxury property market segment in Hanoi. With 90% of construction complete and handover scheduled for Q4 2025, it is a rarity in a market plagued by land shortages, legal challenges, and the complexities of compensation and site clearance.

Affordable Housing Shrinks to 5-7% of New Supply Amid Soaring Prices

Affordable apartments in Vietnam’s real estate market have become an increasingly rare commodity, now accounting for just 5-7% of new supply, even after the Ministry of Construction raised the affordability threshold to 45 million VND/sqm from the previous 25 million VND/sqm. Meanwhile, high-end apartments dominate the market, representing 60-65% of supply, while mid-range units (priced at 45-70 million VND/sqm) capture 30-35%. The year also marked the debut of ultra-luxury projects, with prices exceeding 100 million VND/sqm.

The supply imbalance is fueled by rapid price increases across the apartment segment. In 2024, Hanoi witnessed prices surge by 40-50% year-over-year, while Ho Chi Minh City recorded a 20-30% rise. Even Da Nang saw a 20% increase. New projects with escalating price points have driven older apartment resale prices higher, with some areas seeing hikes of 60-70%.

Hanoi’s market, in particular, has set new benchmarks. Affordable apartments that sold for 10-15 million VND/sqm a decade ago have climbed 40-50% in the past year. Even developments on the city’s outskirts now command prices of 70-90 million VND/sqm, competing with new central projects. In Dong Anh District, some properties have surpassed 100 million VND/sqm. In Ho Chi Minh City, secondary apartment prices have risen by 10-20% since early 2024, with inner-city areas driving most of the growth. Secondary supply reflects these changes, with 37% of inventory priced above 5 billion VND, and 30% falling in the 1.5-3 billion VND range—providing more mid-tier options than Hanoi. However, older apartments under 1.5 billion VND make up less than 3% of supply.

Despite incremental improvements in new supply each quarter, surging prices remain a defining feature of the market. The Ministry of Construction reports that 59 commercial housing projects were completed nationwide in 2024, delivering 16,700 new units, a 2% increase from 2023. The North accounted for 60% of the new supply, followed by the South (29%), and the Central region. Detached homes within projects have also seen significant price growth. In Hanoi, suburban launches now exceed 300 million VND/sqm in some areas, with most listings in the 100-200 million VND/sqm range—up 30-40% from 2023. In Ho Chi Minh City, the increase has been more moderate, at 5-10%, with prices ranging between 90-250 million VND/sqm.

Vietnam’s Housing Supply Surges as Market Recovery Gains Traction

Vietnam’s real estate market showed clear signs of recovery in 2024, with the housing sector emerging as the key driver of growth after years of stagnation. Vietnam Association of Realtors reported nearly 81,000 units were launched in 2024, a 40% increase compared to 2023. Of this, over 65,000 units were newly launched—three times the previous year’s figure. Absorption rates for new projects were notably strong, particularly in the condominium segment, signaling a robust appetite for housing.

Transaction volumes also rose in line with improved supply. The market recorded over 47,000 successful transactions in 2024, with an absorption rate of 72%. Investment demand accounted for more than half of primary market sales, supported by rapid urbanization, strong economic growth, and clearer legal frameworks. High-end apartments dominated the market, making up 75% of total transactions, while low-rise housing saw a rebound with absorption rates nearing 65%, equivalent to around 9,000 deals. By contrast, land plot transactions were concentrated in the secondary market, as stricter regulations require developers to build homes rather than sell raw land.

Nguyen Van Dinh, Chairman of the Vietnam Association of Realtors, predicts housing supply will grow another 10% in 2025, though most new stock is expected to come from large-scale urban projects in the northern provinces, led by major developers.

sycamore Arcadia
By late 2024, Orchard Hill, the second phase of Sycamore by CapitaLand Development in Binh Duong, saw around 90 per cent of its 774 units booked since its exclusive preview on October 26 same year. Its next phase Orchard Heights is rumored to be launched after Lunar New Year 2025.

Housing Prices to Climb Further in 2025 Amid Supply Imbalance

In 2024, Vietnam’s condominium market, led by units priced above 50 million VND/sqm, drove the real estate sector, buoyed by an uptick in luxury supply. Despite this growth, supply remains tight relative to demand, especially in large-scale urban projects from major developers. This dynamic is expected to sustain elevated prices for new launches, while secondary market price growth shows signs of slowing.

Condominium prices in major cities are forecast to rise by 7-10% in 2025, a slower pace than in 2024 due to already elevated price levels. Older condos with limited infrastructure or amenities could see weaker resale value growth, reflecting diminishing appeal at inflated prices. Low-rise housing, including villas, townhouses, and shophouses, is emerging as a key focus. Supply from integrated urban developments with established infrastructure and amenities will likely drive market interest. In contrast, standalone low-rise projects without infrastructure will see prices stagnate at high levels. Land plots, now restricted by tighter subdivision regulations, remain a sought-after segment. Prices for legally documented plots in infrastructure-ready areas are expected to rise significantly due to high growth potential.

Premium pricing for villas and townhouses will persist, driven by scarce land availability and rising development costs. Established urban developments with resident communities and operational amenities are expected to see further price growth, while incomplete or unoccupied low-rise projects are likely to remain flat. Despite high price points, housing launches in 2025 are expected to generate interest, though absorption rates may decelerate. Condominiums will continue to dominate liquidity, with transactions centered in large-scale urban developments. Investor interest is gradually shifting to suburban and tier-2 or tier-3 cities, where prices remain more accessible and growth prospects stronger.

While large-scale developments by major players will anchor market recovery, experts predict that smaller-scale projects will play an increasingly significant role in driving activity and broadening supply in 2025.