Buying real estate in Vietnam?

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What ROI is realistic for Vietnam long-term rentals?

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Authored by the expert who managed and guided the team behind the Vietnam Property Pack

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Everything you need to know before buying real estate is included in our Vietnam Property Pack

Vietnam's long-term rental market presents both opportunities and challenges for property investors in 2025. While property prices have surged 59% in five years, rental yields have compressed to 3-4% in major cities as price appreciation has significantly outpaced rental growth.

If you want to go deeper, you can check our pack of documents related to the real estate market in Vietnam, based on reliable facts and data, not opinions or rumors.

How this content was created 🔎📝

At BambooRoutes, we explore the Vietnamese real estate market every day. Our team doesn't just analyze data from a distance—we're actively engaging with local realtors, investors, and property managers in cities like Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, and Da Nang. This hands-on approach allows us to gain a deep understanding of the market from the inside out.

These observations are originally based on what we've learned through these conversations and our observations. But it was not enough. To back them up, we also needed to rely on trusted resources

We prioritize accuracy and authority. Trends lacking solid data or expert validation were excluded.

Trustworthiness is central to our work. Every source and citation is clearly listed, ensuring transparency. A writing AI-powered tool was used solely to refine readability and engagement.

To make the information accessible, our team designed custom infographics that clarify key points. We hope you will like them! All illustrations and media were created in-house and added manually.

What are the typical purchase prices per square meter in major Vietnamese cities today?

As of September 2025, Vietnam's major cities show significant price variations across different segments and locations.

Ho Chi Minh City leads with central district apartments averaging $3,425-3,866 per square meter, while luxury projects can reach up to $23,500 per square meter. Suburban areas offer more affordable options at $1,570-2,000 per square meter.

Hanoi follows closely with central apartments priced at $3,075-3,110 per square meter, representing a 30-40% increase compared to five years ago. Social housing in outer rings costs significantly less at $980-1,060 per square meter.

Da Nang presents the most accessible entry point among major cities, with beachfront units ranging $2,500-3,550 per square meter and experiencing rapid annual appreciation of up to 7%.

It's something we develop in our Vietnam property pack.

What rental yields are investors currently achieving in central districts versus suburban areas?

Central districts in Vietnam's major cities are delivering compressed yields as property appreciation has outpaced rental growth significantly.

Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi central districts now average 3-4% gross rental yields, down from 5%+ in recent years. This decline reflects rapid property price increases while rental growth has remained relatively stagnant.

Suburban areas offer better yield potential, with possible 4-6% gross returns in outlying districts and for townhouses. The lower purchase prices in these areas help maintain more attractive yield ratios.

The nationwide average yield currently sits at 3.26%, reflecting the overall compression across Vietnam's rental market. Luxury segments typically deliver even lower yields of 2-3% due to disproportionately high purchase prices per square meter.

How much does the average tenant pay monthly for long-term rentals in Vietnam's main expat hubs?

Monthly rental rates vary significantly across Vietnam's expat-focused areas, with location and amenities being key price drivers.

City 1-Bedroom Central Range by Area Typical Expat Zones
Ho Chi Minh City ~$471 $350-1,200 Districts 1, 3, Binh Thanh
Hanoi $700-900 $700-1,200 Ba Dinh, Dong Da, Cau Giay
Da Nang $500-650 $350-900 Hai Chau, Son Tra (beachfront)
Suburban HCMC $300-450 $250-600 District 7, Thu Duc
Premium Apartments $1,200-2,000 $1,000-3,000 High-end developments

What are the common occupancy rates for furnished long-term rentals in Vietnam's biggest cities?

Occupancy rates in Vietnam's major cities reflect strong underlying demand, particularly for well-located furnished properties.

Ho Chi Minh City achieves the highest occupancy rates at 85-95% for prime apartments, reflecting robust demand from both local and international tenants. This strong performance is concentrated in central districts and expat-preferred areas.

Hanoi maintains solid occupancy rates of 84-89% for Grade A and B apartments, with consistent demand from the large expatriate community and growing local middle class.

Da Nang shows more variability with median occupancy rates of 61% for furnished rentals, largely due to seasonal fluctuations and its dual role as both a residential and tourist destination.

Corporate-leased properties typically achieve higher occupancy rates but may experience periodic vacancies between contracts.

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How do property management fees, maintenance costs, and taxes typically affect net rental returns in Vietnam?

Operating expenses significantly impact net returns, with multiple cost layers reducing gross yields by 1-2 percentage points typically.

Property management fees range from 5-10% of rental income, depending on the service level and property type. Full-service management including tenant sourcing, maintenance coordination, and rent collection commands higher fees.

Maintenance costs average approximately $1 per square meter per month, while apartment maintenance funds add 2% of the property value (pre-VAT) upon purchase. These ongoing expenses must be factored into long-term return calculations.

Tax obligations include 5% rental income tax plus 5% VAT on rental income, annual property tax of 0.03-0.15% of assessed value, and a 2% resale tax for individual sellers. These combined tax costs represent roughly 10-11% of gross rental income.

After accounting for all fees and taxes, investors should expect net ROI of 2-3% in Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi, with up to 4% possible in less competitive areas.

What rental growth trends have been observed over the past five to ten years in Vietnam's major markets?

Vietnam's rental market has experienced a significant disconnect between property price appreciation and rental growth over the past five years.

Property prices have surged 59% nationwide from 2019-2024, creating substantial capital gains for early investors but compressing rental yields significantly.

Rental growth has lagged dramatically, increasing only 10-15% over the same five-year period. This disparity has created the current yield compression challenge facing investors today.

In top cities, rents have grown approximately 8-10% since 2019, far below the rate of property price inflation. This trend reflects market maturation and increasing affordability pressures on tenants.

Annual appreciation for well-located condominiums in prime districts typically ranges 5-10%, with luxury properties occasionally achieving higher rates due to limited supply.

How does Vietnam's legal framework for foreign property ownership impact long-term rental investments?

Recent legislative reforms have significantly improved the investment environment for foreign property owners in Vietnam.

The 2024 Land Law and Housing Law reforms have streamlined foreign ownership registration processes, clearly allowed condominium ownership for foreigners, and boosted overall investor confidence in the market.

Foreigners can now own condominiums more easily, though some restrictions remain on project quotas and specific zoning requirements. Landed property ownership remains restricted in most districts for foreign investors.

These legal improvements have contributed to increased foreign investment interest and helped support property price appreciation in major markets.

It's something we develop in our Vietnam property pack.

What is the expected annual appreciation rate for well-located condominiums in Ho Chi Minh City or Hanoi?

Well-located condominiums in Vietnam's primary cities have demonstrated strong appreciation potential, though rates vary by specific location and market segment.

Annual appreciation rates typically range 5-10% for properties in prime districts of Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi, with luxury developments occasionally achieving higher rates due to limited supply and strong demand.

Properties in emerging districts or those benefiting from infrastructure development may experience appreciation rates at the higher end of this range or even exceeding 10% annually.

Da Nang has shown particularly strong appreciation, with some beachfront properties achieving up to 7% annual growth, supported by tourism development and infrastructure investments.

The five-year track record shows gross appreciation of 15-35% for well-located condominiums in Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi since 2020.

infographics rental yields citiesVietnam

We did some research and made this infographic to help you quickly compare rental yields of the major cities in Vietnam versus those in neighboring countries. It provides a clear view of how this country positions itself as a real estate investment destination, which might interest you if you're planning to invest there.

How do mortgage interest rates and financing options in Vietnam affect overall ROI calculations?

Financing constraints significantly impact ROI calculations for foreign investors in Vietnam's property market.

Mortgage interest rates typically range 7-11% per annum, with domestic buyers enjoying better terms than foreign investors who often face higher rates or cash purchase requirements.

Financing options remain limited for expatriates unless they hold residence status and demonstrate local income streams. Most foreign investors must purchase properties in cash, which affects leverage strategies and overall return calculations.

For investors who can access financing, the interest costs significantly reduce net returns, often making cash purchases more attractive despite the higher capital requirements.

The limited financing availability has contributed to cash-heavy market dynamics and may create opportunities for well-capitalized foreign investors.

What are the average timeframes for reselling an investment property in Vietnam and what resale gains are realistic?

Property liquidity in Vietnam varies significantly by location and property type, with central urban properties generally offering better resale prospects.

Average resale periods range 1-3 years for prime condominiums in Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi, while houses or landed properties may require longer holding periods of up to 5 years to find suitable buyers.

Typical resale gains have ranged 15-35% gross appreciation for well-located condominiums since 2020, though these figures reflect the strong appreciation period of recent years.

Suburban and secondary market properties generally exhibit lower liquidity, requiring longer marketing periods and potentially achieving lower appreciation rates.

The resale market benefits from growing domestic demand and continued foreign investor interest, though transaction volumes can be affected by regulatory changes and economic conditions.

How does tenant demand differ between locals, expats, and corporate clients, and how does that impact achievable ROI?

Tenant segments in Vietnam exhibit distinct preferences and payment patterns that directly impact rental yields and property management requirements.

  1. Local tenants typically prefer affordable to mid-range projects, offering higher occupancy rates and longer tenancy periods, which reduces turnover costs and vacancy periods.
  2. Expatriate tenants concentrate demand in premium central locations, willing to pay higher rents but often requiring shorter-term flexibility and fully furnished accommodations.
  3. Corporate clients represent the highest-value segment, offering 8-12% rent premiums above market rates but requiring premium furnishing standards and professional property management.
  4. International relocations drive demand in specific expat clusters, creating micro-markets with elevated rental rates in districts like Ho Chi Minh City's District 1 and 3.
  5. Local middle-class growth supports steady demand in emerging districts and modern developments, providing stable but moderate rental growth potential.

Corporate leases and expat tenants generally deliver higher per-square-meter rents but may require additional investment in furnishing and property presentation standards.

What are realistic gross and net ROI ranges that investors can target for long-term rentals in Vietnam today?

Realistic ROI expectations in Vietnam's current market reflect the maturation of major urban areas and ongoing yield compression.

Gross ROI ranges from 3-4% for apartments in central districts of Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi, while townhouses and suburban properties may achieve 4-6% gross returns. Higher returns have become rare in luxury segments due to disproportionate price appreciation.

Net ROI typically falls to 2-3% in major cities after accounting for management fees, maintenance, taxes, and other operating expenses. Less competitive areas or well-managed properties may achieve up to 4% net returns.

The luxury segment often delivers the lowest yields at 2-3% gross due to premium pricing that doesn't translate proportionally to rental income.

Investors should focus on total return combining rental yield and capital appreciation rather than rental yield alone, as property appreciation often represents the larger component of total returns in Vietnam's current market environment.

It's something we develop in our Vietnam property pack.

Conclusion

This article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Readers are advised to consult with a qualified professional before making any investment decisions. We do not assume any liability for actions taken based on the information provided.

Sources

  1. VN Economy - House Prices Upward Trajectory
  2. BambooRoutes - Da Nang Price Forecasts
  3. JLL Research - Ho Chi Minh City Residential Report
  4. BambooRoutes - Average Rent Vietnam
  5. BambooRoutes - Rental Yields Ho Chi Minh City
  6. Global Property Guide - Vietnam Rental Yields
  7. VnExpress - Hanoi Rental Yields Decline
  8. BambooRoutes - Ho Chi Minh City Price Per SQM
  9. Own Property Abroad - Vietnam Price Trends
  10. VietnamNet - Property Price Surge Analysis