Tapered houses, characterized by a rear section narrower than the frontage, create a tapering shape that deviates from a perfect rectangle. This tapering can be subtle, with just a few centimeters difference, or more pronounced, significantly reducing the rear area compared to the front. These properties often emerge in narrow alleys, irregularly shaped plots, or long-standing, spontaneously developed areas.
In feng shui, tapered houses are traditionally considered less auspicious for business endeavors. However, many modern buyers now downplay this factor, especially when purchasing for rental, small business operations, or short-term investment flips. The lower price point makes them attractive for rental exploitation or resale.
Amid soaring property prices, once-undesirable tapered plots in alleys are gaining traction among buyers. This shift contrasts with slower market periods when buyers prioritized “perfectly shaped” properties.
Duc, a real estate agent, is marketing a tapered house in Ha Dong district for over VND 5 billion, significantly below the VND 6-8 billion price range of nearby rectangular plots of similar size.
Tapered alley houses often come at a lower price. Illustration: D.A |
Surveys indicate that tapered houses typically offer more competitive pricing than comparable properties in the same area. In Thanh Xuan district, a 30 sqm tapered alley plot with a 20 cm rear taper is listed at VND 4.5 billion (VND 140-150 million/sqm), 16-22% below the local average of VND 180 million/sqm.
In Trung Kinh street, a slightly tapered corner plot accessible by car is listed at VND 5.5-6 billion (VND 110-120 million/sqm), a 20% discount compared to similar properties.
A tapered plot in a narrow alley in Hoang Mai district, with a rear width of just 1 meter, is priced at VND 3-3.4 billion (VND 75-85 million/sqm), 15% below the area’s average of VND 90-100 million/sqm.
Is buying a tapered house advisable?
Duc notes that buyers are becoming less stringent about tapering. Instead of pursuing overpriced “perfect” plots, they prioritize practical value and financial feasibility.
From a value perspective, tapered houses are 15-30% cheaper than rectangular plots in the same area, benefiting budget-conscious buyers or investors seeking higher profit margins.
Functionally, if the taper is minimal, design optimizations can maximize usable space without compromising living quality.
According to Duc, tapered houses are viable when significantly underpriced compared to market rates. Location remains the primary value determinant. Tapered houses in areas with improving infrastructure, near metro lines, or new commercial hubs still exhibit strong price appreciation potential, rivaling rectangular plots.
For long-term rentals, homestays, or service businesses, tenants prioritize location and amenities over plot shape, ensuring stable exploitation rates for tapered houses.
However, buyers should exercise caution with excessively tapered plots that hinder design, overly narrow alleys, or prices not substantially lower than rectangular alternatives.
Liquidity for tapered houses is generally slower than for rectangular ones, though the gap has narrowed amid rising prices and limited supply.
“Many buyers accept tapering for rental or investment purposes, provided the legal status is clear and the location remains promising,” Duc explains.
Duy Anh
– 13:00 18/11/2025
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