“Suddenly Evicted from Social Housing: What Does Ecohome Developer Have to Say?”

To clarify the situation where many buyers of the Ecohome Social Housing Project (Dong Ngac, Hanoi) have been evicted despite purchasing units, risking significant financial loss, VTC News reporters contacted Capital House Group (CTCP Investment and Trade Capital).

No Unjustified Evictions, No Unauthorized Sales of Social Housing Units

According to the developer’s written response, provided by Ms. Le Thi Nhung (Media Representative) and Ms. Nguyen Thi Thuy Huong (Legal Officer, Ecozone Hanoi – Bac Giang), all Ecohome 1, 2, and 3 projects have been completed, handed over, and have been in stable operation for many years.

“Under the 2023 Housing Law, after five years from full payment and receipt of the certificate, homeowners can sell their social housing units at market rates to eligible buyers. Therefore, some resale listings from individual owners may appear,” the statement reads.

The developer confirmed that at Ecohome 3, buildings NO2 and NO3 have been operational for years with an elected management board overseeing services and maintenance.

Regarding evictions of buyers who fully paid but were asked to leave, the developer explained these units were originally designated for rental.

“We are facilitating the transition from rental to ownership for eligible tenants under Decree 100/2024/NĐ-CP. Notices have been sent to tenants regarding rental expiration and return procedures after five years,” the statement clarifies.

Investigations revealed brokers reselling rental units at VND 55-57 million/m², significantly above the original VND 16.3 million/m². The developer denied authorizing any brokers or third parties to resell these units.

“All sales are conducted through Hanoi’s Department of Construction in compliance with regulations. We have not authorized any entity to broker or resell social housing units,” the developer asserted.

They warned that brokers may exploit public project information to deceive buyers and pledged cooperation with authorities to address fraudulent activities.

Who Protects Buyers’ Rights?

On November 5th, reporters revisited Ecohome 2 and 3, finding at least two secondary buyers on the 25th floor of Ecohome 3 facing eviction.

“One family unable to afford alternative housing has already relocated over a kilometer away,” a resident noted.

Nguyen Van Viet, a resident of Ecohome 3, expressed distress over losing VND 1.1 billion and being evicted after five years.

“My family has returned to Nghe An. I’m trying to recover funds from the original seller without success,” Viet shared.

Many buyers have already vacated, while others face eviction for ineligible purchases. Viet noted evictions are scheduled for November 2nd and 30th.

“By November 30th, I must leave without recovering my funds. Who protects buyers like us? I plan to sue for reimbursement,” Viet stated.

Tran Tuan Minh (alias) acknowledged his mistake in purchasing an ineligible unit, losing VND 1.1 billion.

“I paid VND 600 million above the VND 500 million base price. Legally, notarized documents hold no weight,” Minh admitted.

His 38m² apartment, once furnished, now lies empty with only children’s toys and clothes remaining.

“The original seller refunded me, but VND 1.1 billion from five years ago doesn’t buy much today. I’m luckier than most who can’t recover funds,” Minh reflected.

Nguyen Duy Duong, Head of Ecohome 3 Management, reported approximately 50 ineligible rental units (20% of 300) face eviction by November 30th.

“Evictions will proceed legally, with remaining units sold to eligible buyers for certification,” Duong explained.

As night fell, the plight of low-income families risking everything in a chaotic market remained stark, underscoring the need for tighter regulations to protect vulnerable buyers.

Attorney Le Van Thiep (Global Law Firm, Hanoi Bar Association) emphasized that notarized documents for social housing purchases lack legal validity. Disputes render such contracts unenforceable.

“Previous land sales via notarization without proper documentation led to complex disputes. Several localities now prohibit such transactions,” Thiep noted.