The vintage apartment buildings in Ho Chi Minh City’s central district exude unique charm, reflecting decades of architectural evolution and local lifestyle. These compact units, typically designed for small families, offer basic living spaces that have stood the test of time.
Aging infrastructure is evident in many of these buildings, with outdated electrical and plumbing systems requiring modernization.
Despite their limitations and lack of modern amenities, the prime locations and convenient transportation access make these older apartments highly sought-after among buyers.
Located at 89-91 Nguyen Du Street, Saigon Ward, stands a pre-1975 apartment complex with 5 floors and over 100 units. A 2022 inspection rated it as Grade B, indicating it no longer meets standard occupancy requirements.
According to local agent Nguyen Van Hau, the stable resident community in these older buildings means limited listings, making price comparisons challenging for buyers. However, their central locations have driven prices at 89-91 Nguyen Du above 100 million VND/m² in recent years.
 26 Ly Tu Trong Apartment Building. Photo: Anh Phuong |
For instance, a 26m² one-bedroom unit at 89-91 Nguyen Du is listed at 2.8 billion VND, while a similarly sized furnished unit is priced at 3.4 billion VND.
Hau notes that rental rates have also increased 20% since last year, with one-bedroom units leasing for 12-15 million VND/month.
“Beyond traditional long-term rentals, some buyers are acquiring these older units for short-term rentals or converting them into co-working spaces,” Hau explains.
The pre-1975 building at 26 Ly Tu Trong Street, Saigon Ward, shows signs of deterioration but has been largely renovated into commercial spaces.
Its prime location opposite Vincom Dong Khoi Mall in central HCMC commands prices rivaling newer developments.
Agent Truong Dieu Anh is marketing a renovated 53m² unit with furnishings at 26 Ly Tu Trong for 8.4 billion VND (approximately 160 million VND/m²).
Rental rates here are equally impressive, with a 68m² unit leasing for 38 million VND/month, according to Anh.
The iconic 42 Nguyen Hue Building, originally a dormitory, now houses cafes and boutiques along the famous Nguyen Hue pedestrian street. This pre-1975, 9-story building even features paid elevator access.
Units here range from 300-450 million VND/m². A 40m² apartment is priced at 12 billion VND, while a 70m² unit reaches 25 billion VND.
Commercial spaces are equally expensive, with 25-50m² kiosks selling for 8-15 billion VND and leasing for 25-40 million VND/month. Larger spaces exceed 50 million VND/month, reaching up to 60 million VND.
Anh Phuong
– 06:00 04/12/2025
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