Buy an Apartment in Hanoi: Prices, Districts and Foreign Ownership Rules

Hanoi is a dense capital with a historic centre and a series of newer districts. Tay Ho around West Lake is the traditional expat neighbourhood. Ba Dinh and Hoan Kiem hold the older core, with limited new stock. Cau Giay, Nam Tu Liem and the My Dinh area have many modern towers, while Long Bien, home to the Ecopark township, appeals to families wanting green space. Metro line 2A and line 3 are changing commutes, so check current service on the stretch you are considering.

The capital's climate has a hot humid summer and a cool damp winter, and air quality is worth researching if you plan to live here.

Foreigners cannot own land. They can buy apartments and houses within approved commercial housing projects, with ownership limited to 50 years from the certificate date, and with caps of 30% of apartments in a building and 250 houses in a ward-sized area. Purchases are documented with a land-use rights and housing ownership certificate, often called a pink book. Confirm that the developer has issued or can issue this document before paying large instalments, and use a Vietnamese lawyer.

If you are comparing markets, Ho Chi Minh City and Da Nang are other Vietnamese markets, and Ba Ria-Vung Tau is a coastal option, none of them close to Hanoi. Start with the Vietnam country page, then the consultation guide.