Vietnam clarifies apartment ownership and building lifespan regulations

The Vietnamese Government, through Resolution No. 278/NQ-CP, has directed the Ministry of Construction to refine the draft Law on Housing (amended). A primary focus of this directive is to clarify the regulations regarding the service life of apartment buildings and the procedures for handling properties once their designated lifespan expires.

Under the proposed guidelines, the service life of a condominium will be determined by the building's design lifespan in accordance with construction laws. Crucially, the government aims to clarify the rights and obligations of owners when a building reaches the end of its term. This includes the right to continue using the land for reconstruction and the financial obligations required for new construction.

Legal experts note that reaching the end of a building's design life does not automatically mandate demolition. Instead, continued use will depend on quality inspections and safety assessments. If a structure is deemed safe through official inspection, it may continue to be used; if not, demolition or renovation will follow established regulations. This distinction is intended to address public concerns regarding whether apartment ownership expires alongside the building's structural lifespan.