Hanoi: A housing solution for people who commute long distances every day

People who already own a home but live 20 km or more away from their workplace are still eligible to purchase social housing.

Hanoi now allows individuals who already own a house, but whose home is at least 20 km from their workplace, to apply for social housing.

This is a new provision under Decision No. 51 issued by the Hanoi People’s Committee on April 28.

According to the decision, individuals who own a home in Hanoi but have to commute 20 km or more to work may apply to buy or lease-purchase social housing, provided they meet all required conditions. In addition, the distance from the registered social housing project to the workplace must be at least 75% shorter than the distance from their current residence.

This distance is determined based on the shortest road route, measured using Google Maps (car mode) at the time of application review.

However, applicants must still meet other eligibility criteria, including belonging to the target beneficiary group, having never purchased or lease-purchased social housing before, and earning no more than 20 million VND per month (for individuals). If married, both spouses must satisfy these conditions.

Earlier this month, Hanoi also added two groups eligible to purchase social housing without a lottery. The first group includes homeowners or land users whose properties are acquired and who qualify for resettlement but choose not to buy resettlement housing. The second group includes those whose properties are acquired but who are not eligible for resettlement and face housing difficulties.

Since late 2024, a series of social housing projects in Hanoi have been launched, but prices have been trending upward. Three years ago, selling prices were below 20 million VND per square meter; now, projects priced above 30 million VND per square meter are increasingly common.

Last year, Hanoi completed 5,158 social housing units, exceeding its assigned target by about 10%. The city has been tasked with completing 18,700 units by 2026.

Source: Anh Tú