Why Foreigners in VietNam prefer Renting apartments over Buying?

Friday - 18/07/2025 23:32

Discover why expats in vietnam often choose renting over buying apartments. explore the benefits of flexibility, lower upfront costs, and less commitment. understand the factors influencing their housing decisions.

Why Do Many Foreigners Choose to Rent Instead of Buy Apartments in Vietnam?

Why Foreigners in VietNam prefer Renting apartments over Buying

Vietnam is increasingly becoming an attractive destination for foreigners to live, work, and invest. Dynamic economic development, unique culture, and reasonable living costs are attractive factors. However, not everyone chooses to buy an apartment immediately upon arriving in Vietnam. Instead, renting an apartment is a more popular choice. So, what makes expats prioritize renting over buying a home in Vietnam? Let's "dissect" this issue from a humorous and relaxed perspective!

1. "Freedom Forever" - Location and Time Flexibility

Imagine you are a German technology expert who has just been assigned to work on a two-year project in Vietnam. Do you want to "tie yourself down" to a specific apartment, no matter how beautiful it is? Definitely not!

Renting an apartment offers excellent flexibility. You can easily change your living location when your job changes or simply want to explore a new area of the city. Lease agreements are usually short-term (6 months, 1 year, or 2 years), making it easy to move when needed.

For those working on projects or those who are unsure about long-term plans in Vietnam, renting is a smart choice, helping them enjoy life without worrying about the complex financial and legal obligations of owning property.

For example, a Korean engineer may choose to rent an apartment near an industrial park in Binh Duong while working there, and then move to a luxury apartment in District 1 when they have the opportunity to work in Ho Chi Minh City's city center.

Flexible to change living locations according to work and interests.

Not bound by complex legal procedures when buying and selling a house.

Easily change living environments to experience new things.

2. "Clear Finances" - A Financial Equation to Consider

Buying an apartment in Vietnam is a significant investment, especially for foreigners. In addition to the apartment purchase price, you also have to pay taxes, fees, maintenance, repair, and management costs.

Meanwhile, renting an apartment helps you control living expenses more easily. You only need to pay monthly rent and a small security deposit. Other costs such as repairs and maintenance are usually paid by the landlord.

Moreover, investing in real estate in an emerging market like Vietnam always carries risks. House prices may increase, but they can also decrease. If you don't have real estate investment experience, renting may be a safer option.

Think of a British investor who can rent a luxury apartment in Thao Dien, District 2 and use the remaining money to invest in other areas such as stocks or startups. This helps them diversify their investment portfolio and minimize risk.

Save on home purchase costs, taxes, fees, and maintenance.

Easily control monthly living expenses.

Minimize risks when investing in a new real estate market.

3. "Cumbersome Procedures" - Legal Issues to Resolve

The process of buying and selling houses in Vietnam for foreigners is quite complex and time-consuming. You need to meet the conditions stipulated by law, prepare all necessary documents, and carry out notarization and registration of house ownership.

Meanwhile, the renting process is much simpler. You just need to find a suitable apartment, negotiate with the landlord about the rental terms, sign a contract, and pay a deposit. Everything can be completed within a few days.

Renting helps you avoid the legal hassles associated with owning property in Vietnam. You don't need to worry about issues such as ownership disputes, compensation for clearance, or changing legal regulations.

A French lawyer may not want to spend time learning and familiarizing themselves with the complex real estate legal system of Vietnam. Instead, they can rent a serviced apartment in District 1 and focus on their professional work.

Avoid complex legal procedures when buying and selling houses.

Save time and effort.

No need to worry about legal issues related to property ownership.

4. "Unfamiliar Customs" - Learning About Culture and Living Environment

When they first arrive in Vietnam, foreigners need time to get used to the culture, customs, habits, and living environment. Buying a house without fully understanding the real estate market, urban planning, traffic, security, etc. can lead to wrong decisions.

Renting allows you to take the time to explore different areas of the city, learn about the residential community, assess the quality of life, and make a more informed home buying decision.

You can rent an apartment in Phu My Hung, District 7 for a few months to experience life in this modern urban area, then move to an apartment in Thao Dien, District 2 to enjoy a green living space close to nature.

An American marketing expert may want to rent a studio apartment in the center of District 1 to immerse themselves in the city's vibrant rhythm, before deciding to buy a more spacious apartment in a quieter area like District 3.

Have time to learn about culture, customs, and living environment.

Explore different areas of the city.

Make a more informed home buying decision.

5. "Kind Landlord" - Amenities and Support

Many rental apartments in Vietnam, especially serviced apartments, are fully equipped with amenities and provide support services such as cleaning, laundry, maintenance, and security. This helps foreigners save time and effort, focus on work, and enjoy life.

In addition, the landlord or management company is often willing to assist tenants with issues such as temporary residence registration, information retrieval, and contacting utility services.

Renting makes it easier for foreigners to integrate into their new life and reduce initial difficulties.

A Japanese family can rent a serviced apartment in Vinhomes Central Park, Binh Thanh to enjoy high-end amenities such as swimming pools, gyms, children's playgrounds, and daily cleaning services.

An Australian lecturer can rent an apartment at Masteri Thao Dien to receive support with administrative procedures and connect with the foreign community in this area.

Save time and effort thanks to amenities.

Receive support with administrative procedures and necessary information.

Easily integrate into new life.

If you are looking for an apartment to rent or buy in central areas of Ho Chi Minh City such as Districts 1, 2, 4, 7, Binh Thanh, Thu Duc, especially the Thao Dien, Thu Thiem, Phu My Hung areas, please contact 456.com.vn. We have more than 13 years of experience in advising and supporting foreigners to find apartments that suit their needs and budget.

456.com.vn offers a variety of apartment options from famous projects such as Vinhomes Central Park, Vinhomes Golden River, Grand Marina, Sunwal Pearl, Masteri Thao Dien, Lumiere Thao Dien, Estella Height, The Vista, Thao Dien Green, Thao Dien Pearl, The River Thu Thiem, Metropole Thu Thiem, Sala, The Sun Avenu, New City Thu Thiem, Feliz En Vista, Palm Height, Millenium, Goldview, Icon 56, Saigon Royal, Sunrise City, Saigon Pearl, The Manor, City Garden, Pearl Plaza...

At 456.com.vn, we provide comprehensive support services for tenants and landlords:

1. Consultation for selecting apartments based on needs, budget, location, and lifestyle.

2. Legal support - bilingual contracts (Vietnamese - English, Korean... if needed).

3. Free apartment pick-up - viewing - handover, including outside office hours.

4. Guidance on temporary residence registration, procedures for foreigners.

5. Assistance in contacting the management board, registering resident cards, internet, and utility services.

6. Support for tenants throughout their stay, quickly responding to support requests.

7. Rental apartment management for landlords: inspection, reporting, and periodic maintenance.

Customer Experience:

Mr. John Smith, an American engineer, shared: "I came to Vietnam to work on an 18-month project. Initially, I planned to buy an apartment, but after careful research, I decided to rent a serviced apartment in District 2 through 456.com.vn. They helped me find a satisfactory apartment, assisted me with legal procedures, and were always ready to answer all my questions. I am very satisfied with their service and feel that the decision to rent a house was the right one, helping me focus on work and enjoy life in Vietnam."

Hopefully, this article has helped you better understand why many foreigners choose to rent instead of buy apartments in Vietnam. Wishing you wonderful experiences in the S-shaped country!

Contact 456 Vietnam – Your trusted partner for premium apartments in Ho Chi Minh City: