Social housing brokers discussing with a journalist.
Posing as a prospective buyer, our reporter spent two weeks witnessing the buying and selling of social housing projects at the Hanoi Administrative Service Center – Branch No. 6 (Long Bien, Hanoi) – the area selling application forms for the Rice City Thuong Thanh project (commercially known as Rice City Long Chau).
Observations revealed that dozens of people arrive daily to purchase and complete application forms, priced at 10,000 VND each.
Noticing a middle-aged woman with sharp features, constantly scanning her surroundings, our reporter approached her for advice. She immediately introduced herself as Ngoc, claiming to be processing social housing applications despite owning a home in Long Bien and having no genuine need for social housing.
“As a central government official, I have connections with local authorities and project owners. Thus, I secure one diplomatic slot per social housing project, including Rice City Long Chau,” Ngoc casually boasted to our reporter.
Many individuals complete application forms alone, hoping for a chance at social housing. (Photo: Pham Duy)
Feigning excitement, our reporter expressed interest in purchasing a unit at Rice City Long Chau. Ngoc eagerly responded: “Without my help, your chances are 1 in 1,000. Thousands apply, but only a few win the lottery. To secure a unit, you need me,” Ngoc asserted.
According to Ngoc, buyers must pay a 600 million VND premium for a guaranteed slot. Hesitating at the amount, our reporter was reassured: “Previously, premiums ranged from 100 to 300 million VND. Now, with commercial housing prices soaring to 75-100 million VND/m2 in Hanoi, low-income earners like you have no other option. Trust me, I’ve handled many projects. Clients often thank me with tens of millions afterward,” Ngoc persuasively claimed.
Crowds register for social housing at the Hanoi Administrative Service Center – Branch No. 6 (Long Bien, Hanoi) on September 23rd. (Photo: Pham Duy)
To prove her point, Ngoc called someone: “Has the Rice City Long Chau unit been sold? I have a buyer. What’s your decision?”
After the call, Ngoc urged our reporter: “They agreed to reserve it for you as a family member. The premium is 600 million VND. They’ll provide all documents and guarantees. My network ensures success. Bring the full amount tomorrow at 9 AM near the project for the exchange and signing.”
600 Million VND Required for Application Submission
Just one hour after meeting, Ngoc called to expedite the process: “Bring the full amount. It’s a cash transaction. If unsuccessful, I’ll refund everything, with no application fees. They’ll provide a receipt. I’ll ensure their full support during the process.”
By 11 AM on July 7th, Ngoc confirmed a 3:30 PM meeting at a Phu Vien café, demanding the full amount for discussion and signing.
The Rice City Long Chau project site, where only pile driving has begun. (Photo: Pham Duy)
“After payment, submit your application. Choose between Him Lam Thuong Thanh or Duc Giang. I’ll arrange everything,” Ngoc confidently stated.
Citing the large sum, our reporter proposed a 100 million VND deposit, which Ngoc refused: “Impossible. Full payment is required for processing. Diplomatic slots are almost drawn. Payment is spread over 7 installments, with 30% due initially. The process takes over a year, with the final installment before receiving the red book.”
Assuring our reporter, Ngoc addressed concerns about existing commercial housing ownership: “This can be resolved with the 600 million VND payment. You’ll choose the floor and unit. Act quickly, as many seek these slots. Full payment is necessary for A-Z processing.”
Two Brokers Target One Buyer
At the café, another woman, Le Thi Huong, joined Ngoc. Huong, also a government employee, claimed to be earning extra income due to reduced workload post-merger.
Huong boasted of selling social housing slots at the Ha Dinh project (Tan Trieu) by UDIC.
Learning our reporter worked in Thanh Tri, Huong suggested: “Long Bien is ideal for you—fresh air, convenient access via Thanh Tri Bridge. Meeting us ensures affordable housing with a small premium.”
A professional broker discusses social housing schemes with our reporter.
Huong claimed extensive connections, mentioning: “I recently congratulated a colleague on his appointment as Director of the Viet Hung Project Management Board in Duc Giang.”
Huong denied being a broker, citing relationships with developers and authorities. She claimed to have used a colleague’s file to secure a Rice City Long Chau unit.
“I’m not selling. Due to my connections, I secured a slot. Since Ngoc introduced you as family, I’m offering it to you. Outsiders can’t buy—only a few hundred slots are available, with thousands applying. Without connections, it’s impossible,” Huong asserted.
Many forgo premiums, hoping to win the social housing lottery. (Photo: Pham Duy)
Questioning the 600 million VND premium, Huong and Ngoc explained: “The developer sets the premium for relationship costs. Some demand 1.2 billion VND. 600 million VND is already a favor.”
When our reporter requested a 100 million VND reduction, Huong countered: “At 27 million VND/m2, social housing is far below Hanoi’s 170 million VND/m2 market rate. A small thank-you gift is expected.”
“If successful, a few tens of millions in gratitude are customary,” Ngoc bluntly added.
Concluding, our reporter cited insufficient funds, leaving the women disappointed. Huong persisted: “Prepare the funds and return tomorrow at 10 AM. We’ve arranged everything for immediate processing.”
Ecohome social housing, where buyers paid hundreds of millions in premiums. (Photo: Pham Duy)
Shortly after, Ngoc called, frustrated: “You must confirm funds and commitment. I expected 600 million VND or at least a 100 million VND deposit. This wastes my time.”
Realizing their scheme failed, the women will likely target others, illegally exploiting them while claiming to facilitate social housing purchases.
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