'Sharing the burden' for the housing market

Resolution No. 201/2025/QH15 of the National Assembly, which pilots a number of specific mechanisms and policies for the development of social housing, is expected to open a breakthrough in the development of social housing, mobilizing resources from many sectors to meet the urgent needs of the people.

Speaking to the press, National Assembly representative Tran Hoang Ngan ( Ho Chi Minh City delegation) stated that the Resolution is an important step demonstrating the determination of the National Assembly and the Government in caring for housing welfare. However, for the policy to truly be implemented, more comprehensive and fundamental solutions are needed, especially policies to develop rental housing, in order to address the very high housing demand of workers today.

Representative Tran Hoang Ngan answers questions from a VNA reporter. Photo courtesy of Hai Ngoc/VNA.

How do delegates assess the initial effectiveness of this Resolution on the social housing market and the issue of mobilizing social resources?

The issue of social housing is receiving significant public attention. It can be said that the recently issued Resolution has created a strong ripple effect throughout society, demonstrating that the policy is on the right track and addresses practical needs.

Notably, the Resolution has contributed to mobilizing resources from various economic sectors, especially the private sector, to invest in the development of social housing. However, the current supply remains quite modest compared to the enormous demand from the people, especially low-income workers.

In several recent speeches, General Secretary To Lam has emphasized that, alongside economic growth, special attention must be paid to social welfare issues, the environment, culture, health, education , and of course, housing for the people.

According to him, what are the fundamental solutions to implement the resolution more effectively in the future?

First and foremost, each locality must strictly implement the directives of the National Assembly , focusing on removing institutional obstacles to unblock "frozen" projects and create a supply of commercial and social housing.

Focusing solely on developing social housing is insufficient to alleviate the pressure on the market. Simultaneously developing various segments of affordable commercial housing, rental housing, etc., is necessary to increase the diversity of supply. When supply is more abundant, commercial housing prices will decrease, leading to a decrease in social housing prices as well.

It is especially important to strengthen the provision of rental housing for workers. This group has the greatest need, as most of them migrate from rural areas to cities for temporary work. After finishing their jobs in industrial zones and export processing zones, they return to their hometowns. They need stable housing and do not necessarily need to buy a house. If there is a good policy to develop rental housing, it will both meet actual needs and alleviate pressure on the current social housing segment. I believe we need to increase the supply of social housing in the form of rentals.

Regarding rental housing, the private sector may not be enthusiastic, so the state, state-owned enterprises, and corporations need to play a pioneering role. We can utilize public land and surplus public assets to build affordable rental housing complexes. We should restructure local public utility enterprises for better management. These complexes should not only be places to live, but also become culturally and culturally advanced, modern residential areas with good living spaces and environments, connected to cultural, medical , and educational facilities.

Some argue that, despite being social housing, the selling prices of many projects remain high, even close to 30 million VND/m². What is your opinion on this issue?

When discussing the price of social housing, it's important to consider the cost. Currently, when land is acquired, investors must compensate at market prices while also ensuring the rights of those whose land is expropriated. Therefore, construction costs are high.

In my opinion, in this context, we should focus on developing rental housing, as this is a practical solution for low-income workers. People who need to save, have strong finances, and benefit from interest rate support policies can buy houses. However, the largest group currently consists of low- and middle-income workers. Instead of letting them rent temporary, unsafe accommodations, the government should invest in or support the construction of quality rental housing that ensures fire safety and has adequate cultural and social infrastructure.

The establishment of these model rental housing areas will encourage the private sector to upgrade existing rental properties, creating a more civilized, safe, and integrated housing system.

So, according to the delegates, what additional policies are needed in the future to make the implementation of the Resolution more effective? How should the National Assembly's oversight role be carried out?

I believe that more specific policies are needed for the development of rental housing, including the efficient use of public land and surplus public assets after administrative boundary reorganization. In addition, the decentralization and delegation of authority in implementation need to be reviewed.

National Assembly delegations need to strengthen regular oversight. During the 16th National Assembly term, the Standing Committee of the National Assembly should have a thematic oversight session on this issue, aiming for a comprehensive assessment, resolving obstacles, and improving the quality of life and happiness of the people. The greatest happiness for the people is having a stable place to live so they can focus on studying, working, and conducting business.

Thank you very much, Delegate!

Source: https://baotintuc.vn/kinh-te/chia-lua-cho-thi-truong-nha-o-20251028125633455.htm