Vietnam tightens apartment usage and sales regulations

Vietnam is implementing stricter regulations regarding the use and sale of residential apartments. Under Decree 339/2026/NĐ-CP, authorities have increased penalties for using apartments for non-residential purposes, such as offices, spas, or short-term rentals. Fines for individuals now range from 100 to 130 million VND, while organizations face fines between 200 and 260 million VND. Despite these measures, reports from Ho Chi Minh City indicate that many older and even high-end commercial apartment buildings continue to operate as commercial hubs, including cafes, restaurants, and fashion boutiques.

Additionally, the Ministry of Construction has issued Decision 1649/QĐ-BXD, introducing new administrative procedures for the sale and lease-purchase of housing under construction. Project developers must now submit a formal notification to the local Department of Construction to confirm that the housing is eligible for sale. The Department is required to inspect the conditions and provide a written response within 15 days. If the department fails to respond within this timeframe, businesses have the right to file a lawsuit or complaint.