Vietnam property investors seek new opportunities in provincial markets

By Vu Pham, Minh Hue
Sun, February 16, 2025 | 2:00 pm GMT+7

Real estate investors in Vietnam, both individuals and organizations, are shifting their investments from city centers to suburban regions and neighboring provinces where land remains abundant and significant investments are being made in infrastructure, particularly in transportation.

Novaland's Aqua City project in Dong Nai province, southern Vietnam. Photo courtesy of Novaland.

Novaland's Aqua City project in Dong Nai province, southern Vietnam. Photo courtesy of Novaland.

According to the Vietnam Association of Real Estate Brokers (VARS), the trend of moving away from city centers among real estate companies and individual investors reflects not only their search for new investment opportunities but also the influence of external factors such as urban planning policies, transportation infrastructure, and changes in buyer demand.

Firstly, property prices in central areas of major cities like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City have reached record levels, making investments more challenging as capital costs rise, while profit margins gradually decrease or become difficult to secure due to legal issues and long implementation timelines of projects in city centers.

This situation forces investors with limited financial resources to seek potential markets in the suburbs.

Secondly, the government and local authorities are intensifying the planning of satellite urban areas and expanding urban spaces to ease the pressure on population and infrastructure in city centers, making suburban districts and neighboring provinces attractive destinations for both individual investors and businesses.

Thirdly, investments in transportation infrastructure, including expressways, ring roads, and public transport systems like metro lines, shorten the travel time between satellite areas and city centers. This not only adds value to real estate but also attracts significant real estate demand.

Fourthly, the development of large-scale urban projects in suburban areas boosts infrastructure and commercial development while driving up property values in surrounding areas, drawing the attention of investors.

VARS stated that as prices in central areas rise sharply, individual investors are increasingly "accelerating" the flow of capital to areas where land prices are more affordable and growth potential is high. These investors typically focus on types such as land plots, commercial townhouses, or new urban projects with reasonable investment values.

Rather than focusing on short-term speculative trading, many investors are opting for a strategy of accumulating land in suburban areas, anticipating future development when infrastructure is completed.

In addition to residential properties, models like second homes, farmstays, or suburban resorts are attracting investor interest thanks to their rental potential, especially after the Covid-19 pandemic, which has fostered green living and remote working.

This trend also presents opportunities for real estate companies to develop projects of various scales. Many major developers have seized opportunities, developing large-scale urban areas in neighboring provinces.

Projects like Aqua City and Izumi City in the southern province of Dong Nai, Vinhomes Ocean Park in Hanoi, and Sun Urban City in the northern province of Ha Nam are proof of this shift.

An inevitable trend amid rising land costs

For medium and small-sized real estate companies, developing projects in suburban areas, satellite cities, or neighboring provinces has become not just an opportunity but almost a necessity.

This is particularly true as legal regulations on land, housing, and real estate business tighten, especially with rising land costs that make it difficult to compete and develop projects in city centers.

Recently, many firms have proactively sought and accumulated clean land in suburban areas to implement projects, taking advantage of lower land prices and high growth potential. This new supply is also a key factor driving the robust development of the suburban real estate market, meeting the growing demand for housing.

In addition to the housing segment, businesses are also increasing investments in industrial real estate due to rising demand from the global supply chain shift and support from planning schemes.

With the growing population in satellite urban areas, the demand for shopping centers, mixed-use complexes, and office spaces in suburban areas is also rising, creating opportunities for real estate companies to expand their investment portfolios.

VARS predicted that the trend of moving to areas outside city centers will become more defined. Property investment in central areas is now suitable mainly for financially strong investors with long-term asset accumulation needs.

Meanwhile, in some well-planned areas with developing infrastructure, property prices remain relatively "cheap" with substantial price increase potential in the future, especially as demand for housing in non-central areas continues to rise. Policies that encourage and incentivize the development of suburban urban areas will further motivate investors.

However, VARS advised investors to make thorough research and evaluations as legal issues related to planning, land use rights, and legal procedures may arise.

While the potential is significant, not all areas have enough appeal to ensure strong demand for real estate products, it said, adding some regions still lack public amenities, making it challenging to attract residents and investors.

Comments (0)
  • Read More
Hanoi terminates Vinaxuki auto plant project, repurposes land for commercial complex

Hanoi terminates Vinaxuki auto plant project, repurposes land for commercial complex

A long-stalled automotive manufacturing project by Xuan Kien Auto JSC (Vinaxuki) has been officially terminated by Hanoi authorities, and the reclaimed land in Phuc Thinh commune will be repurposed for a new commercial and service complex.

Industries - Tue, September 16, 2025 | 2:44 pm GMT+7

Central Vietnam province reviews investment proposal for thermal power project after Thai EGATi pullout

Central Vietnam province reviews investment proposal for thermal power project after Thai EGATi pullout

Authorities in the central province of Quang Tri are evaluating a proposal from Power Generation JSC 1 (EVNGENCO 1), a subsidiary of state utility Vietnam Electricity (EVN), to take over the Quang Tri thermal power plant project, following the withdrawal of Thai investor EGATi.

Energy - Tue, September 16, 2025 | 1:44 pm GMT+7

Amata to sell stakes worth $46 mln in Vietnam units to Novaland-tied buyers

Amata to sell stakes worth $46 mln in Vietnam units to Novaland-tied buyers

Amata VN, the Vietnam arm of Thailand’s leading industrial park developer Amata, has approved a plan for its subsidiary Amata City Long Thanh Urban JSC (ACLT) to sell its remaining 51% stakes in two entities to local developer Novaland-linked buyers.

Real Estate - Tue, September 16, 2025 | 12:19 pm GMT+7

Vietnam already meets FTSE's criteria for stock market status upgrade: Finance Minister

Vietnam already meets FTSE's criteria for stock market status upgrade: Finance Minister

Vietnam has fulfilled the criteria for a stock market status upgrade by FTSE Russell through reforms aimed at facilitating foreign investment inflows into its market, said Minister of Finance Nguyen Van Thang.

Economy - Tue, September 16, 2025 | 9:36 am GMT+7

Banks should be allowed to distribute, invest in mutual fund certificates: Vietnam's finance ministry

Banks should be allowed to distribute, invest in mutual fund certificates: Vietnam's finance ministry

The Ministry of Finance is proposing a key reform that would allow commercial banks to invest in and distribute mutual fund certificates, as part of a broader plan to restructure the investor base and foster the development of Vietnam’s fund management industry.

Finance - Tue, September 16, 2025 | 8:00 am GMT+7

E-commerce boom a major driver of Vietnam's packaging paper industry growth

E-commerce boom a major driver of Vietnam's packaging paper industry growth

Vietnam's paper packaging industry is entering a period of strong growth, with an average annual growth rate forecasted at 10% until 2030.

Companies - Mon, September 15, 2025 | 10:20 pm GMT+7

Vietnam needs support from UK in developing international financial center: Deputy PM

Vietnam needs support from UK in developing international financial center: Deputy PM

Permanent Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Hoa Binh has called on the UK and the City of London to continue supporting and accompanying Vietnam in promoting and introducing its international financial center (IFC).

Finance - Mon, September 15, 2025 | 10:12 pm GMT+7

Vietnam enforces 8% capital adequacy ratio for banks from Sept 15

Vietnam enforces 8% capital adequacy ratio for banks from Sept 15

Commercial banks and foreign bank branches in Vietnam must maintain a minimum capital adequacy ratio (CAR) of 8%, including at least 4.5% in Tier 1 core capital and 6% in Tier 1 capital, starting from September 15.

Banking - Mon, September 15, 2025 | 10:04 pm GMT+7

Tool for wood traceability management debuts in Vietnam

Tool for wood traceability management debuts in Vietnam

The Vn-WoodID application has been officially launched in Vietnam, becoming a key tool contributing to wood traceability.

Companies - Mon, September 15, 2025 | 10:00 pm GMT+7

Sun Group, US Embassy foster aviation-hospitality cooperation

Sun Group, US Embassy foster aviation-hospitality cooperation

Sun Group, in collaboration with the US Embassy in Vietnam, hosted the US – Vietnam Aviation Partnership Roundtable on September 12, bringing together 15 leading American corporations in aviation, technology, and financial services, opening up opportunities to position Phu Quoc as a new aviation and tourism hub in the region.

Companies - Mon, September 15, 2025 | 9:54 pm GMT+7

Vietnam tops Thai giant SCG’s overseas markets with 9% revenue contribution in H1

Vietnam tops Thai giant SCG’s overseas markets with 9% revenue contribution in H1

Vietnam remained the largest overseas market for Thailand’s Siam Cement Group (SCG) in the first half of 2025, contributing 9% of consolidated sales.

Companies - Mon, September 15, 2025 | 8:10 pm GMT+7

Central Vietnam to have new airport Mang Den

Central Vietnam to have new airport Mang Den

Procedures to adjust Vietnam's airport system planning, including the addition of Mang Den Airport in central Vietnam, are being proceeded, according to the Ministry of Construction.

Infrastructure - Mon, September 15, 2025 | 5:16 pm GMT+7

Vietnam's government seeks to position country as 'regulated hub for digital assets in Asia': Dragon Capital

Vietnam's government seeks to position country as 'regulated hub for digital assets in Asia': Dragon Capital

The Vietnamese Government has advanced the regulation of digital assets, with a resolution launching a five-year pilot framework for issuance and trading. This framework signals the Government’s intent to position the country as a regulated hub for digital assets in Asia, which could attract new capital inflows, write Dragon Capital analysts.

Economy - Mon, September 15, 2025 | 2:20 pm GMT+7

Agribank introduces sizable $4.17 bln preferential credit package

Agribank introduces sizable $4.17 bln preferential credit package

Right from the beginning of 2025, Agribank launched a substantial preferential credit package worth VND110 trillion ($4.17 billion) to support individual customers.

Companies - Mon, September 15, 2025 | 1:32 pm GMT+7

'Precious space' in Vietnam's monetary policy

'Precious space' in Vietnam's monetary policy

The Federal Reserve's continued cuts in 2025, with the most recent in September, are considered a valuable policy "space" for the State Bank of Vietnam (SBV) to maintain low interest rates to support growth without having to worry too much about exchange rates.

Economy - Mon, September 15, 2025 | 10:15 am GMT+7

Vietnam’s central bank sells $1.5 bln to stabilize currency: broker MBS

Vietnam’s central bank sells $1.5 bln to stabilize currency: broker MBS

The State Bank of Vietnam (SBV) intervened in the foreign exchange market by selling approximately $1.5 billion via 180-day cancelable forward contracts from August 25-26, in an effort to ease pressure on the Vietnamese dong, according to a recent report by MB Securities (MBS).

Banking - Mon, September 15, 2025 | 8:04 am GMT+7