Hanoi Real Estate FAQs

• Until 2024, Hanoi was divided into 12 urban districts and 17 rural districts (total 29).
  • Urban districts: Hoan Kiem, Ba Dinh, Dong Da, Hai Ba Trung, Thanh Xuan, Hoang Mai, Tay Ho, Bac Tu Liem, Nam Tu Liem, Cau Giay, Long Bien, and Ha Dong.
  • Rural districts: Dan Phuong, Gia Lam, Dong Anh, Chuong My, Hoai Duc, Ba Vi, My Duc, Phuc Tho, Me Linh, Soc Son, Thach That, Quoc Oai, Thanh Tri, Thuong Tin, Thanh Oai, Phu Xuyen, and Ung Hoa.
• From 2025 onwards, Vietnam adopts a two-tier administrative system (Province/City and Commune/Ward level), removing the district level.
  • Hanoi is no longer divided into 29 districts.
  • Instead, it consists of 51 wards and 75 communes.

The central wards are those located in the historic core and surrounding inner districts of Hanoi. They include wards that formerly belonged to central districts.

Some notable central wards are: Hoan Kiem, Cua Nam, Ba Dinh, Ngoc Ha, Giang Vo, Hai Ba Trung, Dong Da, Van Mieu – Quoc Tu Giam, Lang, O Cho Dua, Hong Ha, Cau Giay, Nghia Do, Yen Hoa, Tay Ho, Phu Thuong, and Xuan Dinh.

These wards are considered the political, cultural, and commercial heart of the capital.

Expats in Hanoi predominantly choose to live in Tay Ho (West Lake), especially the Quang An peninsula and the Ciputra urban area. These neighborhoods are popular for their international restaurants, supermarkets, schools, and vibrant foreign community.

In addition, many expats also reside in modern living compounds and urban areas such as:

• Starlake (Tay Ho Tay)
• Vinhomes Riverside (Long Bien)
• Diplomatic Corps (Bac Tu Liem)
• Vinhomes Global Gate (a future development)

These areas offer high-quality housing, green spaces, international schools, and strong infrastructure, making them attractive choices for international residents.

The official and most widely spoken language in Vietnam is Vietnamese. In major cities like Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and Da Nang, many young people and professionals can communicate in English, especially in business, tourism, and service sectors.

Other foreign languages such as Chinese, Korean, and Japanese are also increasingly common due to strong economic and cultural ties. French is spoken by some of the older generation and in academic contexts.

Yes, Vietnam is generally considered a safe and peaceful country. Crime rates are relatively low, and violent crime against foreigners is rare. The country is well-known for its warm hospitality and welcoming attitude towards international visitors and residents.

Vietnam has also gained global recognition for its role in diplomacy, such as hosting the 2019 summit between U.S. President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un in Hanoi.

As with any destination, visitors are advised to stay aware of their surroundings, take normal precautions against petty theft, and respect local laws and customs. Overall, Vietnam is a safe and friendly place to both visit and live.

The cost of living in Vietnam is generally much lower than in Western countries. Daily expenses such as food, transportation, and utilities are affordable, especially outside of major tourist areas.

• A meal at a local restaurant: $2–$3
• A cup of coffee: $1–$2
• Monthly rent for a modern one-bedroom apartment: $300–$700 depending on location
• Serviced apartments in expat-friendly areas like Tay Ho or Thao Dien: $700–$1,500+

Overall, Vietnam offers a comfortable lifestyle at a reasonable cost, making it attractive for expats, retirees, and digital nomads.

Rental fees in Hanoi are considered affordable compared to many other capitals in Asia.

• 1-bedroom apartments: from around $400–$600/month in regular areas.
• Modern serviced apartments or units in expat-friendly neighborhoods (e.g., Tay Ho, Ciputra): typically $700–$1,200/month, especially with lake views and housekeeping services included.
• Luxury apartments and villas in compounds like Starlake or Vinhomes Riverside can range from $1,500–$3,000+/month depending on size and amenities.

Rental prices vary by location, view, building quality, and included services. With demand from expats and international organizations increasing, both fees and service standards are gradually rising. It’s best to compare options to find the right balance between budget and lifestyle.

Real estate prices in Vietnam have been steadily rising over the past decade, especially in major cities like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City.

• In central urban areas, apartments typically range from $2,500 to $5,000 per m², while luxury projects can exceed $7,000 per m².
• In suburban areas and emerging districts, prices are more affordable, starting from around $1,200 to $2,000 per m².

Foreign buyers are allowed to purchase certain types of property (mainly condominiums) under Vietnam’s property ownership regulations. Overall, Vietnam’s real estate market remains attractive for both living and investment, with strong demand driven by urbanization, economic growth, and a young population.

Recommended areas for buying property in Hanoi include:

• Central districts: Hoan Kiem, Ba Dinh, Dong Da – valued for prime locations, government offices, and cultural landmarks.
• Tay Ho (West Lake): Popular with expats, offering high rental yields and strong resale value, especially around Quang An, Ciputra and Starlake.
• Cau Giay: Growing business and education hubs with many new apartment projects.
• Emerging areas: Bac Tu Liem, Dong Anh, Gia Lam – benefiting from major infrastructure developments and expected price growth.

Your choice depends on whether you’re buying for living, rental income, or long-term investment.

Passport & visa. That’s all, easy peasy!

Standard procedures:

1. Paying deposit (downpayment) to Agency (normally 50M VND or 100M VND)
2. Sign the contract in 10 days
3. Pay money to The Developer
4. Receive property handover notice
5. Receive Pink Book after 6 months or 12 months.

Standard procedures:

1. Visit the property
2. Pay the deposit (generally 1 month rent)
3. Sign the lease contract
4. Pay the rent (the general payment term is paying every 3 months)
5. Move to the new home. Sign & check the inventory list.

Agents should follow tenants through the lease and support tenants for justifiable issues.

It depends. Generally pets are allowed in private houses & villas. They are not allowed in apartments. However, some small pets are sometimes accepted.