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Real estate FDI consolidates improvement

Published

5 months ago

February 14, 2025

A turning point could be ahead for Vietnam’s real estate market, driven by solid economic fundamentals, legislative changes, supportive urban planning policies, and infrastructure improvements.

Foreign direct investment (FDI) in the real estate sector for 2024 reached $3.72 billion in total, making up 18.8 per cent of the total for the year, second only to manufacturing, according to the General Statistics Office.

Real estate FDI consolidates improvement

Large developers such as Hung Thinh, Novaland, Phat Dat, and TTC Land are negotiating with foreign enterprises and will soon announce deals. Photo: Le Toan

A report from Avison Young Vietnam released in January points out that foreign investor confidence in the Vietnamese market is still positive, and capital is being poured into ventures that have been approved and licensed here.

David Jackson, general director of Avison Young Vietnam, said that strong FDI proved the attractiveness of Vietnam’s real estate market.

“Not only do they positively evaluate policy conditions, investment environment, population or urbanisation in Vietnam, investors also see a demand exceeding supply in most key segments such as industry, residential, office, retail and logistics. Efforts to improve the real estate legal framework and infrastructure development are contributing to making the market more attractive to international investors,” said Jackson.

He pointed out that the huge changes in 2024 in policies, investment trends and business were the basis for maintaining an optimistic vision of the real estate market. “When positive signals appear more clearly, it is time for investors to restart capital flow into transactions and be ready to catch the wave of cyclical development,” he added.

Vo Hong Thang, deputy general director of DKRA Group said that the year ahead was expected to be prosperous, with the market being on the recovery path from 2024.

“These positive signals are driven by factors in policy, supply, infrastructure and investment trends promise to create a new growth cycle,” said Thang. “One of the bright spots of the market was the removal of supply bottlenecks, especially projects that have been delayed for years. Supply in 2025 is expected to improve compared to 2024 with more than 15,000 products.”

Lee Leong Seng, head of property development at Keppel Vietnam, expects 2025 to see a significant increase in mergers and acquisitions, with new investment opportunities in the real estate sector.

“Amid global trend changes, Keppel is expanding its investment into diverse real estate sectors such as residential, hospitality, and emerging models like senior living and data centres. The company is also closely connected with global businesses to track and seize market trends, while observing that international funds are increasingly focusing on environmental, social, and governance criteria,” said Leong Seng.

“With its strong-growing economy and golden population, Vietnam is a promising destination for many international investment funds.”

He believes the combination of international investment capital and local market expertise will lead to success.

“Moving into 2025, with new policies, we expect macroeconomic changes to be translated into concrete action, contributing to the sustainable development of Vietnam’s real estate sector,” he added.

“We are particularly excited about the positive changes in the investment environment in Vietnam. These improvements boost confidence and open up many growth opportunities for both traditional and new industries.”

The expert opinions followed a flurry of activity towards the end of last year. With an estimated investment capital of approximately $797 million, CapitaLand is developing the Sycamore, its first large-scale residential undertaking in Vietnam with more than 460 low-rise villas and about 3,300 apartments, with a total construction area of about 593,000 sq.m.

CapitaLand also developed a luxury apartment venture called Lumi Hanoi, with a total investment of $760 million, providing about 4,000 units across nine towers.

Meanwhile, Consmos Initia from Japan poured $150 million in a cooperation with TT Capital Investment JSC to develop a 2,000 high-end apartment projects, called TT Avio located in Di An city of Binh Duong province.

Japanese developers Sumitomo Forestry, Kumagai Gumi, NTT, and AEON Vietnam have joined with Kim Oanh Group to invest in a 50-hectare scheme in Binh Duong called The One World, costing more than $1 billion.

AEON Mall also continued its expansion plan with the opening of AEON Mall Hue in September. The retailer also acquired a 10.5 hectare land area in Thanh Hoa province to become the largest commercial centre in the central region. In addition, it approved the detailed master plan for an AEON Mall in Dong Nai province.

Pham Hoang Ha, a property consultant in Ho Chi Minh City, said that 2025 would see foreign investors pouring capital into southern real estate.

“Large developers such as Hung Thinh, Novaland, Phat Dat, and TTC Land are negotiating with foreign enterprises and will soon announce deals,” Ha said.

Shifting investment out of the central areas where inner-city land has become increasingly scarce and development costs increased, and finding opportunities in surrounding areas is now a strategic choice for investors. In addition to the improvement in supply, market liquidity has also seen positive changes in 2025, with home loan interest rates remaining low and investor confidence gradually improving.

“Projects implemented by reputable investors with guaranteed construction progress, clear legal regulations and infrastructure facilities are the top priority of investors,” Ha added.

Keisuke Muraoka, representative of Cosmos Initia, a member of Japan’s Daiwa House, said foreign investors in Vietnam must be careful with factors such as, legality, demand, location, and facilities.

“In addition to ensuring legal progress, we pay special attention to the potential to draw in end-users of projects, who buy products for living. For partners, we look for those with extensive experience in housing development and a strong reputation in the market,” said Muraoka.

Ada Choi – Head of Research, CBRE Asia-Pacific

Ada Choi, Head of Research, CBRE Asia-Pacific

I would like to highlight the increasing investment appetite in Asia-Pacific, with Vietnam a top destination due to its economic confidence and strategic role in manufacturing and supply chain diversification.

Singapore remains the largest investor in Vietnam, with a significant portion of investments coming from manufacturing. Meanwhile, the Japanese are diversifying their operations and Hong Kong is a channel for Chinese capital.

For 2025, international investors are expected to focus on development projects rather than income-generating properties, particularly in the residential and industrial sectors, as opportunities in these areas are more prominent in Vietnam compared to other regions. Other potential segments would be retail, residential and hospitality. International investors may need to differentiate their strategies in Vietnam, possible through partnerships with locals, if they cannot invest directly into income-generating properties.

International investors also need to figure out how to gain exposure to the Vietnamese market, considering the different investment strategies required compared to other regions.

Nguyen Le Dung – Head of Investment Services, Savills Hanoi

Nguyen Le Dung – Head of Investment Services, Savills Hanoi

Investors from Singapore, Japan, and South Korea are all active. Besides that, the US and Europe are also increasingly interested in the Vietnamese market. Among them, the segments that receive the most attention from investors include residential real estate, industrial, and commercial property.

The residential real estate segment continues to draw in a lot of attention due to urbanisation and rising housing demand in major cities in Vietnam, while the supply of new projects is recorded at a low level due to legal restrictions.

The strong development of the manufacturing industry in Vietnam has made industrial real estate an attractive segment, driven by the presence of many foreign investment funds and investors, focusing on Grade A warehouse and workshop projects that meet high standards and quality in the market.

The commercial real estate segment also received great attention, thanks to the development of the retail and service markets. This reflects the increase in demand growth in parallel with urban real estate types and is supported by factors such as the transformation of people’s consumption habits, with more customers prioritising experience shopping at commercial centres and closed multi-functional service spaces.

Investors today tend to prioritise cooperation with private enterprises, thanks to their flexibility and ability to quickly adapt to operations. The scale and total investment of investors is diverse and will change depending on each development segment. However, investors pay special attention to projects that can develop sustainably and meet current market needs to increase product quality and consumer experience.

In addition, legal issues will be given priority due to their direct impact on implementation progress, transaction structure, and investors’ financial plans.

Source: https://vir.com.vn/real-estate-fdi-consolidates-improvement-122211.html

Related Topics:FDI Improvement real estate

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Vietnam’s Exclusive Economic Zone boasts over 1,000 GW of wind power potential: report

Published

3 months ago

April 27, 2025

Industrialzone.net

Vietnam’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) has a wind power potential of 1,068 GW, nearly 470 GW more than previously estimated, according to a report released Friday by the National Center for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting (NCHMF).

An offshore wind power project in Vietnam. Photo courtesy of VnEconomy.

The report, titled “Detailed Assessment of Wind Resource Potential in Coastal (up to 6 Nautical Miles) and Offshore Areas in Vietnam,” was conducted by the NCHMF with support from the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) and the Norwegian Embassy.

This wind potential was measured at a height of 100 meters above sea level, said Mai Van Khiem, director of the NCHMF. He noted that from November to February each year, wind capacity accounts for half of the annual total – peaking in December and gradually decreasing, with the lowest levels recorded in May.

The southern offshore areas account for 894 GW of this potential, while the northern areas contribute 174 GW.

In nearshore zones (up to 6 nautical miles), the total technical wind power potential is 57.8 GW. The Bac Lieu-Ca Mau region alone contributes nearly 30% of this, while the Ninh Thuan-Binh Thuan area accounts for 24 GW. Although the Quang Tri-Hue region has lower potential, it offers stable wind speeds during the winter months. The Red River Delta has a modest potential of 0.17 GW.

Compared to previous assessments, such as the World Bank’s 2021 study and data from the Global Wind Atlas (GWA), this report provides more detailed and higher-resolution information, both spatially and temporally.

“Notably, the EEZ potential outlined in this report exceeds the World Bank’s estimate by 469 GW, primarily due to the broader scope of the survey and more refined climate modeling using domestic observational data,” the research team explained.

They also emphasized the use of the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model customized specifically for Vietnam, which enhanced the accuracy of the results.

The findings are based on wind data collected from 26 coastal and island meteorological stations, satellite sources from CCMP, ASCAT, and SCATSAT-1 (covering 30 years of ocean surface wind data), as well as buoy data from Nghe An province and seabed depth measurements.

A key innovation in this report is the integration of potential impacts from extreme weather events. Typhoons and tropical depressions occurring between August and October pose structural and safety risks to wind turbines. Meanwhile, strong winds and high waves during the northeast monsoon season can hinder access to and maintenance of offshore wind systems.

To support model calibration and long-term observation, the research team recommends increased investment in offshore wind monitoring stations at heights exceeding 100 meters. They also suggest incorporating these findings into offshore wind development strategies and national marine spatial planning.

Additionally, the team advocates for expanding research into other forms of marine renewable energy, such as wave, tidal, and ocean thermal energy.

“Vietnam has some of the most promising offshore wind resources in the region, creating a strong foundation for the development of a large-scale offshore wind industry. This will contribute to energy security, green economic growth, and the achievement of net zero commitments,” they said.

The study provides a vital scientific basis for policy planning, identifying priority development zones, attracting investment, building infrastructure, and training the future offshore wind workforce, the team added.

Hoang Duc Cuong, deputy director of the Department of Meteorology and Hydrology, emphasized that Vietnam lies within a strong and stable Asian monsoon belt, giving it abundant wind energy potential. He noted that this renewable source will play a key role in meeting the country’s climate change goals and advancing a low-carbon economy.

However, he also warned that marine-based natural disasters are highly complex and could significantly impact the stability of offshore wind operations and energy generation.

Project

Uncertainty weighing on real estate

Published

3 months ago

April 26, 2025

Industrialzone.net

The ever-changing status of the global economy following last week’s tariff shocks continue to loom large among investors in Vietnam’s real estate market.

All real estate segments are at risk of losing appeal if high global tariffs are eventually put in place, photo Le Toan

Pham Lam, vice chairman of the Vietnam Real Estate Association, said that while it is premature to determine the full impact of new US import tariffs on Vietnam’s property market, early signs point to shaken investor sentiment and potential disruptions to foreign investment.

“If multinational corporations scale back or delay their factory expansion plans, the demand for land and factory leasing could decline, which may place downward pressure on industrial rents, lead to increased vacancy, and postpone new industrial zone developments,” he said. “This would affect key industrial property markets such as Bac Ninh, Bac Giang, Haiphong, Long An, and Binh Duong.”

Meanwhile, real estate expert Nguyen Hoang said that the United States remains one of the most critical export destinations for Vietnam’s foreign-invested enterprises.

“Any change in tariffs will significantly influence capital flows, investor confidence, and manufacturing strategies of companies operating in Vietnam. If a high tariff is fully implemented in 90 days, it could seriously diminish Vietnam’s investment appeal – affecting all real estate segments as a result,” Hoang said.

Vietnam’s property market has only recently emerged from a prolonged two-year downturn.

“It remains highly sensitive to economic and policy shocks. Investors have remained cautious, and any further external pressure could threaten to break the fragile liquidity recovery, potentially sending the market back into a period of short-term stagnation,” Hoang added.

Alex Crane, managing director of Knight Frank Vietnam, said that the recent tariff twists by the US casts a shadow of uncertainty, with potential implications for various segments of the market.

While manufacturing has shown resilience, it is still on the path to full recovery from the pandemic, particularly in labour-intensive sectors like garments and furniture. Tariffs imposed now would not have as severe an impact as they might have during Vietnam’s 2019 peak, but consequences are still expected, Crane said.

“I may expect that major transactions, especially those involving large capital outlays, are being paused or undergoing extended due diligence as investors and developers reassess assumptions and underwriting models and commercial occupiers are expected to defer large capital expenditures in the short term,” Crane said.

In addition, the response from the State Bank of Vietnam, particularly regarding monetary policy, will be crucial. While a rate cut may not effectively stimulate residential demand (as demonstrated in 2024), targeted lending for key industries and easing of loan-to-value ratios or debt-to-income limits for developers could provide relief.

“At present, most segments of the real estate market are in a holding pattern, awaiting clarity from the evolving negotiations between the Vietnamese and US governments. While uncertainty is unsettling, Vietnam’s underlying fundamentals remain sound, and the market’s long-term outlook is still viewed positively,” he added.

Nguyen Dung Minh, deputy CEO of MIK Group, has warned that under the new US tariff regime, many investors will be forced to reassess their strategies, likely leading to a decline in the demand for industrial land.

“Investors will need time to re-evaluate their actual demand and incoming orders and make necessary adjustments before they can fully gauge the extent of the impact,” Minh said.

He added that the implications go beyond just industrial land. “The new US tariffs are also expected to disrupt supply chains and negatively affect supporting sectors such as logistics, warehousing, and raw materials manufacturing. As production slows, so too will the demand for land associated with these services,” Minh said.

Trang Bui, country head Cushman & Wakefield Vietnam While the effects of tariffs are typically delayed, most economists warn that they may eventually fuel inflation and dampen economic growth. Many manufacturing firms could opt to postpone their expansion plans in the short term if export duties become too burdensome. There is also a possibility that some companies may look to diversify their supply chains towards a Vietnam+1 model, shifting parts of their operations to neighbouring countries. This could lead to a decline in demand for factories and warehouse leasing, two key drivers of the industrial real estate segment. However, it is important to recognise that industrial real estate is fundamentally a long-term investment. Vietnam has long positioned itself as the manufacturing hub of Southeast Asia, thanks to its strategic location and the “bamboo diplomacy” approach, which has enabled the country to swiftly join trade negotiations and sign multiple free trade agreements. Moreover, many manufacturers in Vietnam have already established tightly integrated supply chains. As such, their investment plans tend to operate on a much longer time horizon than the near-term effects of tariff policy. Relocating supply chains typically requires at least 3–5 years, making short-term shifts less likely. Overall, Vietnam’s industrial real estate sector has proven resilient under various political and economic conditions. Investors would do well to focus on long-term trends and structural advantages. Manufacturers, in particular, may take this opportunity to secure high-quality industrial assets, invest in automation, and pull in skilled labour, while continuing to monitor developments in upcoming trade negotiations with caution. Nguyen Thi Bich Ngoc, CEO, Sen Vang Group When it comes to the reciprocal tariff policy announced by the US, the greater danger currently lies not in the tariff itself, but in the heightened sense of uncertainty it has triggered across the Vietnamese market, a sentiment clearly reflected in recent VN-Index fluctuations. In the short term, the policy will weigh heavily on Vietnam’s industrial real estate sector. However, in the long run, this challenge could serve as a catalyst for stronger growth. It presents an opportunity for the government and industrial zone developers to rethink their strategies, offering more competitive, attractive solutions to both foreign and domestic investors. Rather than relying solely on external trends like the China+1 shift, Vietnam should leverage its inherent competitive advantages, including a strategic geographic location, a skilled and cost-effective labour force, and political stability, to pull in long-term investment. These are undeniable strengths that set Vietnam apart. Moreover, this is also an opportune moment for Vietnam to re-evaluate and restructure its key sectors, prioritising strategic industries with high growth potential. Continued engagement in bilateral and multilateral trade agreements will open up new opportunities and elevate Vietnam’s position both regionally and globally. Ultimately, we must seize this challenge as a turning point, transforming pressure into momentum for sustainable development. Vo Hong Thang, Investment director DKRA Group The industrial infrastructure, commercial, and residential real estate segments are all likely to face increasing headwinds if a huge tariff increase is eventually implemented. In recent years, a number of developers have made significant investments in industrial zones, betting on a continued influx of foreign direct investment. However, the new tariff policy raises the possibility of such flows being diverted to other countries. Vietnam now faces the risk of having built the nest, but being unable to attract the eagle. In addition, liquidity in both residential and commercial real estate, including retail, office, and hospitality, is likely to weaken in the short term due to more cautious investor sentiment, defensive capital flows, and reduced purchasing power from end-users. Niche investment segments such as serviced apartments, tourism-related accommodations, and foreign buyer housing could also see demand drop, particularly as the foreign expert and executive workforce, typically a key demand driver, scales back plans to live and work in Vietnam.

Trang Bui, country head Cushman & Wakefield Vietnam

While the effects of tariffs are typically delayed, most economists warn that they may eventually fuel inflation and dampen economic growth. Many manufacturing firms could opt to postpone their expansion plans in the short term if export duties become too burdensome. There is also a possibility that some companies may look to diversify their supply chains towards a Vietnam+1 model, shifting parts of their operations to neighbouring countries.

This could lead to a decline in demand for factories and warehouse leasing, two key drivers of the industrial real estate segment. However, it is important to recognise that industrial real estate is fundamentally a long-term investment. Vietnam has long positioned itself as the manufacturing hub of Southeast Asia, thanks to its strategic location and the “bamboo diplomacy” approach, which has enabled the country to swiftly join trade negotiations and sign multiple free trade agreements.

Moreover, many manufacturers in Vietnam have already established tightly integrated supply chains. As such, their investment plans tend to operate on a much longer time horizon than the near-term effects of tariff policy. Relocating supply chains typically requires at least 3–5 years, making short-term shifts less likely.

Overall, Vietnam’s industrial real estate sector has proven resilient under various political and economic conditions. Investors would do well to focus on long-term trends and structural advantages. Manufacturers, in particular, may take this opportunity to secure high-quality industrial assets, invest in automation, and pull in skilled labour, while continuing to monitor developments in upcoming trade negotiations with caution.

Nguyen Thi Bich Ngoc, CEO, Sen Vang Group

When it comes to the reciprocal tariff policy announced by the US, the greater danger currently lies not in the tariff itself, but in the heightened sense of uncertainty it has triggered across the Vietnamese market, a sentiment clearly reflected in recent VN-Index fluctuations.

In the short term, the policy will weigh heavily on Vietnam’s industrial real estate sector. However, in the long run, this challenge could serve as a catalyst for stronger growth. It presents an opportunity for the government and industrial zone developers to rethink their strategies, offering more competitive, attractive solutions to both foreign and domestic investors.

Rather than relying solely on external trends like the China+1 shift, Vietnam should leverage its inherent competitive advantages, including a strategic geographic location, a skilled and cost-effective labour force, and political stability, to pull in long-term investment. These are undeniable strengths that set Vietnam apart.

Moreover, this is also an opportune moment for Vietnam to re-evaluate and restructure its key sectors, prioritising strategic industries with high growth potential. Continued engagement in bilateral and multilateral trade agreements will open up new opportunities and elevate Vietnam’s position both regionally and globally.

Ultimately, we must seize this challenge as a turning point, transforming pressure into momentum for sustainable development.

Vo Hong Thang, Investment director DKRA Group

The industrial infrastructure, commercial, and residential real estate segments are all likely to face increasing headwinds if a huge tariff increase is eventually implemented.

In recent years, a number of developers have made significant investments in industrial zones, betting on a continued influx of foreign direct investment. However, the new tariff policy raises the possibility of such flows being diverted to other countries. Vietnam now faces the risk of having built the nest, but being unable to attract the eagle.

In addition, liquidity in both residential and commercial real estate, including retail, office, and hospitality, is likely to weaken in the short term due to more cautious investor sentiment, defensive capital flows, and reduced purchasing power from end-users.

Niche investment segments such as serviced apartments, tourism-related accommodations, and foreign buyer housing could also see demand drop, particularly as the foreign expert and executive workforce, typically a key demand driver, scales back plans to live and work in Vietnam.

Project

Central Vietnam city seeks $1.84 bln for 15 projects in economic zone

Published

3 months ago

April 26, 2025

Industrialzone.net

Authorities of Hue city in central Vietnam have released a list of 15 projects in Chan May-Lang Co Economic Zone which will need VND47.5 trillion ($1.84 billion) in investment capital between 2025 and 2026.

Chan May-Lang Co Economic Zone in Hue city, central Vietnam. Photo by The Investor/Dinh Duy.

Notable projects include the Chan May non-tariff zones No. 1 and 2 infrastructure development project, with a total area of over 503 hectares and combined investment capital of VND2.8 trillion ($108.23 million).

Another is the VND20 trillion ($773 million) Chan May Urban Area project (locations 1 and 2), which will cover 225 hectares and be implemented over five years.

The LNG terminal project at Chan May Port, 27 hectares with an investment of VND8.6 trillion ($332.43 million), is set for five-year implementation.

The 120-hectare Bai Ca eco-tourism project in Lang Co township will have investment capital of VND2.5 trillion.

The Lang Co beach resort, with an area of 45 hectares and total investment of VND4 trillion ($154.62 million), will be carried out over five years; while the 75-hectare Lap An lagoon tourism, urban development and resort complex in Lang Co township will cost VND6 trillion.

According to the management board of Hue Economic and Industrial Zones, since its establishment, Chan May-Lang Co Economic Zone has attracted 55 investment projects which remain valid, with total registered capital of VND97.32 trillion ($3.76 billion).

Among these, 15 are foreign-invested projects with combined capital of VND56.02 trillion ($2.17 billion), accounting for 57.56% of the total.

Several prominent foreign investors have established a presence in the zone, such as Banyan Tree Group (Singapore) with the Laguna Lang Co Resort and Winson Group (Taiwan) with the Billion Max Vietnam Export Processing Factory.

Chan May-Lang Co has become a destination for investments in sectors like tourism and resort development; seaport infrastructure; logistics; clean industry; and high-tech, environmentally friendly industries, with annual revenue reaching nearly VND4 trillion ($154.62 million) and tax contributions of around VND300 billion.

The management board said Hue city has proposed the Ministry of Construction review the adjustment of the EZ master plan through 2045, for submission to the Prime Minister.

The strategic goal is to develop Chan May-Lang Co into a key economic zone of central Vietnam – a coastal gateway offering logistics services for the central region and the East-West Economic Corridor, as well as a hub for high-end tourism services.

To attract investors, the local government will offer a range of incentives such as a 10% corporate income tax rate for 15 years from the first year the project generates revenue; import tax exemption for goods to create fixed assets for investment projects, and land and water surface rental exemptions, the board said.