Ho Chi Minh City: Strategic Plan for Renovation and Reconstruction of Old Apartments by 2035

Ho Chi Minh City aims to complete the renovation, upgrading, and reconstruction of more than 500 aging apartment buildings by 2035. These buildings were constructed before 1975 and between 1975 and 1994. This plan is part of the city's comprehensive urban development strategy, addressing structural safety concerns while promoting sustainable infrastructure to enhance residents' quality of life.

Strategic Direction for Old Apartment Renovation

The Ho Chi Minh City People's Committee has approved a redevelopment plan for the old apartment system, classifying buildings based on their degree of deterioration:

• Category B: No longer meets standard usage requirements.

• Category C: Shows signs of danger but does not yet require immediate relocation.

• Category D: Severely damaged, at risk of collapse, requiring immediate demolition.

The city government plans to spend the first five years finalizing legal mechanisms, resettlement policies, and financial solutions. Following this, it will proceed with the reconstruction or upgrading of 467 pre-1975 apartment buildings and a portion of those built between 1975 and 1994. Category B and C apartments built before 1975 will also undergo renovation during this period. The government will implement a series of policies to resolve ownership disputes and provide relocation support to ensure a smooth redevelopment process.

Approach to Category D Apartments

For Category D apartments, Ho Chi Minh City prioritizes rebuilding the seven structures that have already been vacated. The remaining nine, which are either awaiting relocation or undergoing demolition, will continue to be addressed according to the plan. The government will ensure that temporary housing and compensation mechanisms are in place to protect residents' rights and minimize disruptions to their lives.

By 2035, all severely damaged or expired-use apartments will be either fully renovated or reconstructed. The government's financial support, along with mechanisms to attract private investment, will be key to advancing the urban renewal process.

Current Status of the Apartment System

According to statistics from the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Construction, the city has 474 apartment buildings with a total of 573 units constructed before 1975, including:

• 16 Category D apartments: Severely damaged and at risk of collapse.

• 116 Category C apartments: Showing signs of danger and requiring urgent repairs.

• 332 Category B apartments: Aged and no longer meeting safe living standards.

• 12 apartments already demolished or repurposed.

Additionally, 52 low-rise (fewer than eight stories) apartment buildings and 33 buildings with a land area of less than 1,000 square meters, constructed between 1975 and 1994, face significant issues such as ownership disputes, illegal occupancy, and unauthorized transfers. These buildings require urgent quality assessments and regulatory adjustments.

Challenges in the Renovation Process

Between 2016 and 2020, Ho Chi Minh City attempted to implement an old apartment renovation plan, but it did not achieve the expected results, particularly for Category D buildings. Key challenges included:

• Insufficient financial resources and appropriate investment models.

• Obstacles in quality assessment and planning approval.

• Deficiencies in compensation and resettlement mechanisms.

• Ownership disputes and resistance from some resident groups.

To overcome these challenges, the city government has delegated approval of compensation and resettlement plans to district-level People's Committees and Thu Duc City. Additionally, tax incentives, credit support, and policies to attract private capital will be leveraged to ensure the smooth execution of the apartment renovation plan.

Vision for Modern Urban Development

Renovating more than 500 old apartment buildings is not only about addressing safety and infrastructure issues but also about reshaping Ho Chi Minh City's urban landscape toward modernization, smart development, and sustainability. By 2035, the government aims to establish newly planned residential areas integrating green spaces, public transportation systems, and modern urban amenities.

Moreover, the government will further expand investment incentives to facilitate private sector participation in urban redevelopment. At the same time, authorities are committed to protecting residents' legal rights, fostering trust and consensus, and ensuring the successful implementation of renovation projects.

Overall, Ho Chi Minh City's old apartment renovation plan is not just a solution to deteriorating housing conditions but also a crucial opportunity to drive urban transformation, enhance living standards, and achieve long-term sustainable development.