Hanoi regulatory action on Muong Thanh Group projects

Hanoi authorities are addressing extensive construction and planning violations across 12 projects within the Muong Thanh Group ecosystem. These violations include building contrary to approved permits, increasing floor area, adding extra stories, and expanding apartment counts. In these projects, the actual number of apartments reached 24,943, which significantly exceeds the permitted 6,759 units.

One notable case involves the HH Linh Dam apartment complex, where developers reportedly built up to 41 floors despite a 27-floor limit. This has resulted in severe overcrowding for approximately 40,000 residents and placed strain on local infrastructure, schools, and medical services. Additionally, residents in these developments have faced difficulties obtaining ownership certificates.

The Hanoi People’s Committee has submitted a proposal to the City People’s Council to address the 18,184 unauthorized apartment units. The proposal suggests classifying structures to determine which may be permitted to remain and which must be demolished. To be allowed to exist, high-rise buildings must meet five specific criteria: they must be completed and operational; ensure structural safety, fire prevention, and rescue capabilities; meet minimum technical and social infrastructure standards; maintain required distances between building facades; and not violate red line boundaries or technical infrastructure corridors.

A comprehensive review is being led by the Department of Construction and the Department of Natural Resources and Environment, auditing legal documents, land use, and financial obligations. The proposed roadmap aims to relocate completed apartments by 2027 and demolish violating structures by 2028.