When having stable housing, the next question for many investors is usually: should they buy more apartments or invest in land plots? There is no correct answer for everyone. However, in the context of 2026, market data and signals from experts show an increasingly clear separation between these two channels.
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The answer depends on the goals, capital, and risk appetite of each investor. The comparison table below is based on actual data in the Ho Chi Minh City market in 2025-2026:
| Criteria | High-end Apartment | Land Plots |
| Capital | From 190K – 760K USD (80m2) | From 265K – 380K USD (100m2 in Suburban)From 229K – 687K USD (100m2 in the area adjacent to the city center) |
| Liquidity | High – Easy to rent out | Low – Depend on location and legal |
| Rental Cash Flow | Stable: 3 – 6%/yearly | Low and location-dependent |
| Capital growth potential | Stable, increasing with infrastructure development. | High but fluctuate |
| Legal Risks | Lower – Can check the project developer’s status regarding the availability of the land title and the issuance timeline. | Higher – A thorough legal check of the land is necessary: whether there are disputes, the planning status, land map data, and land type. |
| Suitable for | Passive investors, prioritizing stable cash flow | Risk-taking investors with a long-term vision. |
Mr. Vo Huynh Tuan Kiet, Director of the Residential Project Marketing Department at CBRE Vietnam, stated that the market is witnessing the “end of the plot subdivision era” in the new cycle. Apartments will be the “backbone” of the urban area for at least the next 5 years. Demand will focus heavily on multi-utility projects developed under the Transit-Oriented Development model. This view aligns with Mr. Vu Cuong Quyet, CEO of Dat Xanh North area, who noted that the time for holding land in inner-city alleys is over. Currently, the key to real estate investment now lies in transit stations and TOD-oriented developments.
TOD (Transit Oriented Development) plans residential and commercial areas around metro stations, creating a complete living ecosystem within walking distance.
Property prices near An Phu Metro Station increased from 1.061-1.364 USD/sqm (2014-2015) to 2.650-4.550 USD/sqm currently (VnEconomy, 2025). This is an increase of nearly 3-4 times in a decade. This growth is a structural price increase tied to completed infrastructure rather than a speculative cycle.
Both land plots and apartments have a place in an investment portfolio. However, the 2026 cycle is creating a clear distinction. So, which channel fits you?
Regardless of your choice, the deciding factors remain location, legal status, and timing. In a highly selective market, assets that meet the right criteria will always find buyers.
Looking for a trustworthy real estate agent? La Quinta is your one-stop partner. We offer turnkey support for buying/selling, renting, interior design & furnishing, and full property management. Contact us today!
Mr. DONNIE KIM (Korean & English)
Associate Director
Phone number: 0898 48 38 68
Zalo: 0898 48 38 68 (La Quinta)
Email: kdh@lqltd.com
Kakaotalk ID : kdhrpm
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Whatsapp: +84 89 848 38 68
Ms. TRẦN HOÀNG OANH (Vietnamese & English)
Director of Residential and Investment Team
Phone number: (+84) 937 836 896
Email: christine@lqltd.com
Zalo: 09 3783 6896 (Oanh – Christine)
Whatsapp: +84 937 83 896
Wechat: Oanhhoangtran
