Sustainable development – A new driver for Vietnam's real estate market

As speculative “flipping” investments in real estate show signs of slowing down, giving way to genuine housing needs, sustainability is gradually becoming the key to enhancing the competitiveness of real estate projects and a core element in urban development planning across Vietnam.

Green living environments that prioritize emotions and experiences of the "end user" have become a top criterion for many buyers. Customers are increasingly seeking projects with well-integrated infrastructure, complete in-house amenities, eco-friendly materials, and spaces that are in harmony with nature - especially those located near natural rivers and streams.

As a result, real estate developments located in areas that embody the traditional ideal of “first close to the city, second close to rivers, third close to roads” are gaining traction among both homebuyers and investors. These properties tend to hold higher value compared to others.

Experts say that there are several factors determining the success of a real estate project in terms of sustainability.

The five main factors include convenient and synchronized transportation infrastructure; long-term development-oriented design and planning; fresh air and emphasis on green space and landscaping; beautiful/unique design ensuring a great experience for residents; and ensuring essential utilities and added services such as schools, hospitals, shopping centers, and entertainment services both within and outside the project area.

These are also the criteria many real estate developers aim for in the long term. For example, Phu My Hung has successfully transformed a swamp in Ho Chi Minh City into a livable urban area offering a wide range of housing products, including townhouses, villas, and high-rise apartments across the mid-to-high-end segments, all supported by a complete infrastructure system.

Similarly, the Senturia brand by Tien Phuoc, which has gained prominence since 2016, appeals to buyers seeking a lifestyle that reconnects them with nature, away from the hustle and bustle of urban life. “Centuria” and “Senses of residents in each product launched are not just the meanings behind the Senturia name but also serve as the manifesto of urban areas bearing this brand.

The sustainability of Senturia projects in HCMC is evident from their prime locations. These developments are situated near key city centers and major transportation routes.

They are part of a synchronized urban infrastructure plan linked with key projects like the Mai Chi Tho avenue, An Phu interchange, HCMC-Long Thanh-Dau Giay Expressway (eastern Saigon), Nguyen Van Linh avenue, Nguyen Van Linh-Nguyen Huu Tho interchange, National Highway 50, Rach Dia bridge, and Phuoc Long bridge (Southern Saigon). These projects also align with the TOD (Ttransit-oriented development) model - urban development combined with public transportation, including metro lines.

With Metro Line 1 (Ben Thanh-Suoi Tien) officially operating from December 23, 2024, and plans for more metro lines, commuting between the Saigon High-Tech Park, Rach Chiec, An Phu (Thu Duc city), and southern Saigon to the city center and beyond will become easier. This will reduce reliance on personal vehicles, ease traffic congestion, and help lower environmental pollution.

One of the key features of the Senturia brand is a connection with nature. The projects are often located near natural rivers and streams, such as the Saigon River, Rach Gia (District 12), Muong Kinh and Giong Ong To (Thu Duc city), Hiep An creek, and Vam Long canal (Southern Saigon), adding a unique touch to the planning and landscaping.

In addition, the construction density of these projects is kept under 30%, with most of the area dedicated to green space and public amenities like riverfront parks, central parks, and lakes. From a feng shui perspective, water features and greenery help balance the positive and negative ions in the air, attract good energy, and create a harmonious environment for residents.

In terms of design, Senturia’s townhouses and villas adhere to international standards, with the Mediterranean style being a hallmark of the brand. Inspired by sun-soaked coastal regions like Spain and Monaco, this architectural style is well-suited to Ho Chi Minh City's tropical climate. The Mediterranean design is timeless and elegant, featuring spacious windows, large balconies that capture natural light and breezes, and an open, eclectic feel that has been favored for centuries.

For those who prefer a modern and youthful aesthetic, Senturia also offers contemporary designs, including the “garden townhouse” concept, which is perfect for those seeking a modern, youthful, and dynamic living space.

Despite market fluctuations, sustainable real estate will undoubtedly remain a promising direction for developers, offering a new and sustainable growth path for the market in the long term.