The Ultimate Test of Resilience: When Storms Batter Apartment Complexes

The recent Typhoon Yagi that swept through Hanoi on September 6-7 has sparked lively discussions among residents and real estate forums about the quality and pricing of apartments.

Mr. Ngọc Huy, a resident of an apartment complex in Ha Dong district that has been operational for seven years, shared that he discovered cracks in the gypsum ceiling of his living room during the storm. On the night of September 7, a large section of the ceiling collapsed, fortunately causing no casualties as everyone was already asleep.

The typhoon not only affected individual apartments but also exposed the poor construction quality of shared areas in many apartment buildings. Leaks were observed in lobby areas, with rainwater seeping in through elevators, resulting in shattered glass and collapsed ceilings in elevator shafts.

Mr. Nguyen Quoc Hiep, Chairman of the Vietnam Association of Construction Contractors (VACC), attributed the damage to the typhoon’s intensity, stating that Yagi was the strongest storm in Vietnam in the last 30 years and the first to directly hit Hanoi in a long time.

However, Mr. Hiep acknowledged that the extent of damage in some newly built apartments, including falling glass, collapsing ceilings, and damaged balconies, indicated potential issues with construction quality, equipment, and materials. He emphasized that improper construction practices and lack of responsibility on the part of contractors contributed to these issues, while the quality of inputs, such as equipment and materials, was the responsibility of the investors during the handover to residents.

“While the typhoon had negative impacts, it also served as a test for the construction quality of buildings, especially apartments, in today’s urban areas,” Mr. Hiep remarked.

While many mid-range apartments suffered noticeable damage, high-end apartments with superior construction quality provided a sense of safety and security to their residents during the storm. Ms. Lan Anh, a resident of Vinhomes Green Bay, shared that after a day and night of enduring the typhoon, the apartments in her complex remained intact, with no reports of broken glass or other damage.

Additionally, the Vinhomes management team remained vigilant, conducting regular inspections and providing timely notifications and assistance to residents. They were on standby 24/7 and ready to address any emergencies, including potential power outages, by testing the backup power system and ensuring its readiness.

“During strong typhoons and storms, the professionalism of the apartment management team plays a crucial role in ensuring residents’ peace of mind, in addition to the construction quality and facilities,” said Ms. Lan Anh.

High-end projects with assured construction quality, such as Vinhomes Times City and Vinhomes Royal City, which have been operational for over a decade, also withstood the typhoon without any significant issues.

Similarly, Ms. Nguyen Ngan, a resident of Imperia Apartments in Thanh Xuan district, shared that her apartment building remained unaffected, with sturdy glass windows. Although residents were concerned about potential flooding in the basement parking lot due to heavy rain, no issues arose.

Numerous residents of top-tier high-rise apartments in Hanoi also expressed a sense of relief after the typhoon, grateful that their homes remained undamaged despite the strong winds and heavy rainfall. The typhoon served as a testament to the preparedness of professional management teams and the superior construction quality of these high-end apartments.

According to experts, while the typhoon exposed the poor quality of some apartment buildings, it also highlighted the resilience of high-end, well-constructed apartments, which are likely to become even more desirable to homebuyers.

Mr. Nguyen Van Dinh, Vice Chairman of the Vietnam Real Estate Association, stated, “The Yagi typhoon is only a temporary psychological factor, and apartment prices are mainly influenced by supply and market demand. Currently, Hanoi’s market has limited supply and high demand, so there is no basis for price reductions. Therefore, it is unfounded to assume that apartment prices will decrease after the typhoon.”