Rental market overview
Vietnam's rental market is largest in Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC / Saigon) and Hanoi, with a smaller but growing market in Da Nang. Most rentals are unfurnished or semi-furnished. Fully furnished apartments are common in buildings marketed to expats (serviced apartments, foreign-designated blocks). Standard leases are 12 months.
Typical rental costs (monthly, VND)
Indicative ranges as of May 2026:
Ho Chi Minh City
- Studio/1-bed in District 1, 2, 3 or Binh Thanh: 8-15 million VND (310-580 EUR)
- 2-bed in D1-D3: 18-30 million VND (700-1,160 EUR)
- 3-bed in D1-D3 (serviced apartment): 35-60 million VND (1,350-2,310 EUR)
- 2-bed in District 7 (Phu My Hung area, popular with expats): 12-20 million VND (460-770 EUR)
Hanoi
- Studio/1-bed in Hoan Kiem, Tay Ho or Ba Dinh: 7-15 million VND (270-580 EUR)
- 2-bed in Tay Ho (most popular expat area): 15-25 million VND (580-960 EUR)
- 2-bed in Hoan Kiem: 20-35 million VND (770-1,350 EUR)
Da Nang
- 1-bed near My Khe beach: 5-10 million VND (190-390 EUR)
- 2-bed condo near the beach: 10-18 million VND (390-700 EUR)
- 3-bed house with pool: 20-35 million VND (770-1,350 EUR)
Lease terms
- Standard term: 12 months. 6-month leases possible but less common.
- Deposit: 1-3 months' rent (refundable at end, subject to property damage check).
- Payment: typically paid monthly, though some premium serviced apartments ask for quarterly.
- Contracts in Vietnamese with English translation; Vietnamese text prevails. Get a translator if needed.
- Utilities: you pay electricity and water separately. Electricity is 2,000-3,000 VND/kWh (government rate). Water is roughly 15,000-30,000 VND/m³.
- Early termination: you usually forfeit the deposit. Some contracts allow a 1-month notice period after the first 6 months.
Finding accommodation
- Online portals: Batdongsan, Nha Tot [1,2]. Vietnamese-language but manageable with Google Translate.
- Facebook groups: "HCMC Expats", "Hanoi Massive", "Da Nang Expats". High volume of listings.
- Real estate agents: common and useful in Vietnam. Agent fees are typically paid by the landlord (1 month's rent) but some may charge the tenant.
- Building management: many purpose-built expat apartment buildings have a management office that handles rentals directly.
Property purchase for foreigners
The Law on Housing (amended 2020) allows:
- Foreign individuals with a valid visa or TRC to purchase apartments.
- Ownership: up to 30% of units in a single condominium building.
- Ownership period: 50-year leasehold (renewable once for another 50 years at expiry). Compare with Thai law which permits freehold condo ownership.
- Land rights: foreigners cannot own land directly but can own buildings on leased land.
- Purchase process requires a valid TRC or visa, no work permit required.
- Transfer taxes and fees total roughly 1-2% of the property value.
Utilities and internet
- Electricity: EVN (Vietnam Electricity) monopoly. Requires rental contract for connection. Monthly bill based on tiered rates.
- Water: provincial water companies. Rates vary.
- Internet: VNPT, Viettel, FPT offer fibre broadband 200-1,000 Mbps for 200,000-500,000 VND/month (8-20 EUR).
- Cable TV: bundled with internet in most packages.
Common issues
- Noise: thin walls in many buildings. Check sound insulation in person.
- Flooding: parts of HCMC (particularly District 2 and District 7) and Hanoi experience street flooding during heavy rain. Check the history of the specific street.
- Mould: common during the humid season (February-April in northern Vietnam, May-October in the south). Dehumidifiers are recommended.
- Motorbike parking: most apartments include one free motorbike parking slot; cars cost extra.
- Elevator queues: in older high-rise buildings, wait times can be long during peak hours.
This page is not legal advice. Consult a qualified lawyer before signing contracts.