In an attempt to appease growing resentment among farmers who lose land for development projects, the Hanoi’s People’s Committee has approved a new decision clarifying the Government’s compensation policy.

The Ministry of Construction has promised to reduce the time taken to license real estate projects by two-thirds by streamlining the existing 33 procedures, a move hailed by developers as a “revolution.”

As Vietnam is facing a number of difficulties and challenges due to high inflation and import surplus, it is important and necessary to research how to use capital effectively to ensure infrastructure development.

Vietnam’s ambassador to Singapore Nguyen Trang Thanh, speaking at a real estate seminar in Singapore, discusses Vietnam’s efforts to make the country more business-and investment-friendly.

Phu My Hung, an urban development on Ho Chi Minh City’s outskirts, is Vietnam’s “new urban area model” to which future developments should aspire, said the Minister of Construction at a seminar Thursday.

Some analysts say that the supply of offices, expected to increase in the time to come, will force office leasing fees down, while some others believe that the supply will not be profuse as investors are facing a lot of difficulties executing projects.

As of January 1, 2009, foreigners will be allowed to own apartments in Vietnam for up to 50 years. However, they are not allowed to lease or use the apartments for purposes other than personal use.

The People’s Committee of HCMC has recently directed the local council in charge of selling houses to coordinate with the Department of Construction, district people’s committees and other relevant agencies to sell state-owned houses to people currently renting.

At www.metvuong.com we have added a new feature where you are able to post the requirements for buying or renting.

Prices of "golden" lands in Ha Noi's Old Quarter remain exorbitant despite the recent freeze in the real estate market, said industry insiders.

Two years ago, experts warned about the shortage of apartments and offices for lease in the central city of Da Nang, and now they are talking about the oversupply of apartments and offices.