The Haunting Remnants Within Hanoi’s Abandoned 7-Trillion VND Villa

The hundreds of abandoned villas in the Duong Noi urban area (Ha Dong District, Hanoi) present a stark picture of neglect. Over the years, these once-grand structures have fallen into disrepair, with various components deteriorating and wasting away. This situation highlights the significant waste and the urgent need for attention to prevent further degradation.

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This project, which broke ground in 2008, had an initial investment of VND 7,642 billion and comprised 1,116 villas centrally located in the new Duong Noi urban area. Despite most of the villas being completed with full infrastructure, landscaping, roads, and lighting, the neighborhood remains devoid of residents.

The developer completed the exterior construction and handed over the villas to customers at the end of 2018. However, as of now, hundreds of villas remain abandoned.

According to sources, the villas here are advertised for sale at prices starting from VND 10 billion.

The villas are always “locked up tight.” Many lack security doors.

Due to prolonged abandonment, the once-luxurious villas now present a desolate sight, with weeds overgrown within their premises.

The entrances of many villas are overgrown with grass, littered with trash, and covered in moss.

Over time, the unused facilities have deteriorated and taken on an aged and desolate appearance.

After heavy rains, some villa basements become large pools of water. The trash gets washed in, causing environmental pollution and a putrid stench.

Many villas display “For Rent” signs, but they have remained vacant for years.

Water pipes and taps have been installed, awaiting their owners’ arrival. However, due to prolonged exposure to the elements, they have deteriorated and become unusable.

Some villas, neither inhabited nor rented out, are temporarily fenced off with corrugated iron sheets, with weeds growing rampant around them.

The entrance to the villa compound is separated by a thin rope to prevent vehicles from parking.

The path behind the compound has been turned into a dumping ground and is being used for personal purposes.

A makeshift playground has been set up but is rarely used.

The surroundings are overgrown with weeds.

While many villas remain abandoned, there is a severe shortage of affordable housing for low-income earners. According to experts, this situation is not unique to Hanoi but is prevalent in many other provinces across the country, where completed villas and townhouses remain unoccupied despite having owners. This paradox and gross waste of resources have led to significant socio-economic and security issues. Addressing this situation is not an overnight task and poses a complex challenge for the authorities.