Vietnam real estate market undergoes professionalization and restructuring

The Vietnamese real estate market is undergoing a period of restructuring and professionalization. Data from the General Statistics Office indicates a significant shift in the business landscape; in the first half of 2026, 1,463 real estate businesses completed dissolution procedures, a 120.3% increase compared to the same period the previous year. Conversely, approximately 2,400 businesses returned to operation, marking a 12% decrease.

Brokerage firms are facing intense pressure due to declining transaction volumes and revenue. In Hanoi, some agencies reported a nearly 50% drop in revenue and a 30% increase in staff resignations compared to late 2025. This has forced firms to shift their focus from expanding scale to controlling costs and improving sales efficiency.

Simultaneously, stricter legal requirements are mandating professionalization within the sector. Under the 2023 Real Estate Business Law, individuals must possess a professional brokerage certificate and operate within a registered real estate service enterprise. This regulatory shift has led to a surge in applicants for certification, with many practitioners currently navigating training programs and examination backlogs to avoid potential fines of up to 60 million VND for unlicensed activity.