Propery market challenges to continue

HO CHI MINH CITY: Despite the Vietnamese government’s efforts to address them, the challenges for the property market will continue until the end of next year, experts warn.

Speaking at a forum, Nguyen Van Dinh, chairman of the Vietnam Real Estate Brokers Association, said the market continues to struggle with limited access to capital, legal bottlenecks and companies’ inability to redeem bonds.

A recent survey by his association found over 70% of businesses saying government policies aimed at resolving funding difficulties have not been effective, he said.

Real estate transactions have plummeted by 90% over the past year, indicating weak market demand, he said.

Even after almost five months since its announcement, the government’s 120 trillion dong credit package has remained untouched.

Dinh blamed this on projects facing obstacles caused by local authorities lacking mechanisms and determination to resolve difficulties.

Hoang Hai, director of the Housing and Real Estate Market Management Department, said: “A number of housing projects are facing delays or suspension due to legal obstacles.”

This has led to a sharp decrease in supply and liquidity, further affecting the real estate market, he said.

Nguyen Quoc Hiep, chairman of Vietnam Construction Contractors Association, said 70% of the obstacles stem from legal issues, particularly overlapping laws.

Economist Le Xuan Nghia said the weak domestic demand and slow recovery suggest a U-shaped rebound in the economy rather than a V-shaped one, leading to liquidity difficulties in many sectors.

To help the market recover and develop sustainably, experts recommended increasing the supply of affordable housing.

Deputy chairman of the Vietnam Real Estate Brokers Association Dinh said the market has faced unprecedented problems in the past five years with a large inventory and big drop in liquidity.

To address the imbalance between supply and demand, property developers should focus on affordable housing and social housing projects, he added.

Economist Le Xuan Nghia said it is vital to issue specific regulations to implement the 120 trillion dong support package for financing social and workers’ housing projects.

Businesses also need support to develop affordable housing and overcome factors that discourage them, he added. — Viet Nam News/ANN