According to the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Agriculture and Environment, there are currently 84 land allocation and land use conversion files under the 2003 Land Law that remain unpriced. Each file involves an average of 1,000 housing units, totaling over 84,000 units without land ownership certificates (pink books).
Mr. Đào Quang Dương, Deputy Head of the Land Economy Division at the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Agriculture and Environment, stated that the primary issue arose between 2007 and 2010 when data collection for pricing was nearly impossible. Areas like Bình Chánh, Hóc Môn, and former Thủ Đức lacked comparable residential projects for reference.
Additionally, Decree 12/2024 initially complicated land pricing for most projects. Only after the issuance of Decree 71/2024 did the situation begin to improve. The transfer of pricing authority from the Department of Finance to the Department of Agriculture and Environment further delayed many files.
To address this, Ho Chi Minh City has repeatedly proposed to the central government to allow pricing based on land price tables multiplied by adjustment factors, but this has not yet been approved. Recently, the city’s People’s Committee reported to the Prime Minister and the Ministries of Agriculture and Environment, and Finance to seek solutions. The Prime Minister has directed relevant ministries to unify the coefficient calculation method, with a meeting planned soon.
“If these files are resolved, the city will issue land ownership certificates for 84,000 housing units, providing stable housing for over 300,000 residents and enabling efficient land resource utilization,” said Mr. Dương.
Ho Chi Minh City has 84,000 units without land ownership certificates.
To date, the Task Force on Resolving Issues Related to Land Ownership Certificates for Commercial Housing Projects has held 33 meetings to address challenges for 176 commercial housing projects, involving 108,170 housing units and over 1,247 other real estate products.
The Task Force has also resolved issues to facilitate land ownership certificate issuance for homebuyers in 126 projects, releasing 87,547 housing units and over 1,247 other real estate products to the market. The total contract value of transferred files with tax payments exceeds 118.9 trillion VND, generating over 594 billion VND in registration tax revenue for Ho Chi Minh City’s budget.
Recently, Vice Chairman of the Ho Chi Minh City People’s Committee Bùi Minh Thạnh signed Decision 1645, assigning additional tasks to the Task Force on Resolving Issues Related to Land Ownership Certificates for Commercial Housing Projects.
Decision 1645 replaces Decision 5013 (dated November 5, 2024) of the Ho Chi Minh City People’s Committee, reorganizing the Task Force under the leadership of Mr. Nguyễn Toàn Thắng, Director of the Department of Agriculture and Environment. The Task Force includes leaders from the Departments of Construction, Finance, Inspectorate, Police, Tax, and the Chairpersons of 168 wards, communes, and special zones.
The Task Force is responsible for comprehensively reviewing and compiling data on residential areas and commercial housing projects that have been licensed for construction and are in use but lack land ownership certificates. They must identify the causes of delays, categorize projects, propose solutions, and implement measures with specific timelines.
“From Coastal ‘Dead-End’ to Billion-Dollar Hub: Can Gio Unveils Vietnam’s First Cross-Sea Highway to Vung Tau (10-Minute Drive) and High-Speed Rail to Phu My Hung”
Once dubbed the “forgotten corner” of Ho Chi Minh City, reliant on ferries and limited waterways for connectivity, the island district of Can Gio is now undergoing a dramatic transformation fueled by a wave of synchronized infrastructure projects.
Real Estate Firms Frozen by Land Use Fee Uncertainty
In addition to the developer of Empire City petitioning the Ho Chi Minh City People’s Committee to reconsider the additional land use fee of up to VND 8,819 billion, and Lotte Properties HCMC terminating its contract for the Thu Thiem Eco Smart City project, approximately 100 other projects in Ho Chi Minh City are awaiting financial obligation notices, which may include additional fees.
Should We Cater to Foreign Businesses?
In just 9 days, Lotte transformed its approach to a project deemed one of the most prime and valuable in Ho Chi Minh City today. Experts argue that Vietnam’s open business environment does not necessitate catering to investors at any cost.
Unveiling the $260 Million Southeast Vietnam Drainage and Flood Control Project
The Suoi Cai Drainage Axis project in Ho Chi Minh City, with an investment of nearly VND 6,000 billion, is a transformative initiative. Designed to address flooding and improve drainage in the former industrial hub of Binh Duong, this project extends its benefits to the entire Southeast region. Flanking the drainage axis are newly constructed roads, complete with sidewalks and greenery, enhancing both functionality and aesthetics.
Ho Chi Minh City Vice Chairman Directs Action on Proposed Can Gio – Vung Tau Sea-Crossing Road
Bùi Xuân Cường, Vice Chairman of the Ho Chi Minh City People’s Committee, has tasked the city’s Department of Finance with leading the review and proposal for a feasibility study on a sea-crossing route connecting Can Gio and the former Ba Ria – Vung Tau area. The project is to be developed under the Build-Transfer (BT) model. Collaborating with relevant departments and units, the Department of Finance is expected to submit recommendations to the city’s People’s Committee by October 10.
