Common mistakes around buying a home in Vietnam as a foreigner

Most mistakes around buying a home in Vietnam as a foreigner come from missing one of the points below.

Foreigners may own homes in Vietnam under certain conditions: usually an apartment in a commercial housing project, for a fixed ownership term and within a limit on the number of units in each building.

The ownership term is usually counted in years and can be extended under the rules. Read the term in the certificate or contract carefully, because it affects the value when you want to resell.

Buyers need a passport, valid entry papers and documents proving their status. Some steps, such as notarisation and registration, must be done in person or through a valid authorisation.

This article gives general information only and the rules can change. Before you pay a deposit or sign a contract, ask a lawyer or the competent authority; this is not legal advice.