Ho Chi Minh City unlocks agricultural land for housing to ease shortage
Ho Chi Minh City has approved a trial programme to convert agricultural land into commercial housing projects. The move aims to tackle the city’s shrinking supply of homes caused by legal restrictions. Authorities have already allocated 42 land plots for development under this scheme. The initiative follows Resolution 171 from the National Assembly, which permits housing projects on agricultural land if they align with local planning rules. The city’s People’s Committee confirmed that this decision provides a legal foundation for investors and officials to proceed with necessary steps. Under the programme, 54 real estate organisations have received approval for projects covering over 6.55 million square metres. The total allocated land spans 4.7 million square metres, including 649,000 square metres previously used for rice farming. The developments will feature residential and mixed-use apartment complexes, as well as ecotourism residential zones. Most of the projects are concentrated in the former Bà Rịa-Vũng Tàu Province. However, significant land allocations also exist in the original Ho Chi Minh City area, particularly in Long Phước ward. Four major plots there measure approximately 27.25 hectares, 17.7 hectares, 29.9 hectares, and 17.4 hectares. Vingroup, the largest real estate developer involved, is planning a residential and mixed-use project on a 27.25-hectare site in Long Phước ward. The city’s authorities have emphasised that this programme will help ease the housing shortage by unlocking land previously restricted from development. The trial programme allows developers to move forward with projects that meet local planning requirements. With 42 land lots now allocated, the city expects an increase in available commercial housing. The decision also clarifies procedures for investors and government agencies involved in the process.
