This information was shared by Vu Dai Thang, Chairman of the Hanoi People's Committee, at a dialogue between the city Chairman and workers in the capital on the afternoon of 29/5.

According to Vu Dai Thang, Hanoi will thoroughly implement the central government's directives, including those from General Secretary, President To Lam, and the Government, regarding the development of social housing and rental housing for low-income individuals and workers.

The city's consistent view is that housing development should not only serve real estate business goals but, first and foremost, ensure social welfare and guarantee residents' right to suitable, stable accommodation.

Chairman of Hanoi People's Committee Vu Dai Thang. Photo: Hoang Phong

"Hanoi recognizes the need for a strong shift in mindset from solely focusing on housing for sale to a balanced development of housing for sale, housing for rent, and rent-to-own housing. Special priority will be given to developing affordable rental housing for workers, young workers, migrant workers, and those not yet eligible to acquire housing," Thang emphasized.

According to the city Chairman, developing rental housing is not just a social welfare solution but also contributes to retaining labor, fostering stable human resources, enhancing competitiveness, and ensuring the capital's sustainable long-term development.

Hanoi will research mechanisms to encourage businesses to invest in rental housing for workers. This initiative will ensure synchronous technical and social infrastructure, including schools, healthcare facilities, cultural institutions, and connected transportation. The goal is to gradually establish civilized, safe, and stable worker housing areas, enabling laborers to work with peace of mind and maintain a long-term attachment to the capital.

Previously, on 27/5, at a meeting concerning the implementation of central directives for social housing and rental housing projects, Thang requested that several rental housing projects be launched in June. The policy's beneficiaries are broad, encompassing workers, students, armed forces personnel, teachers, doctors, journalists, and many other labor groups.

Director of the Department of Planning and Architecture Nguyen Trong Ky Anh speaking at the dialogue. Photo: Hoang Phong

At the dialogue, Pham Thi Mai, from Thang Long Construction Joint Stock Company No. 6, stated that Hanoi currently has about 2.7 million workers, with over 70% residing in rented rooms. Along with millions of students and informal workers, this group constitutes a large proportion of the capital's population but still lacks stable, safe living spaces.

Responding to workers' recommendations, Nguyen Trong Ky Anh, Director of the Hanoi Department of Planning and Architecture, said that the Capital Master Plan, with a 100-year vision, prioritizes social housing for workers and students. The city will plan concentrated, large-scale social housing areas equipped with full technical and social infrastructure, strategically located to connect with the urban railway network.

According to Ky Anh, Hanoi is currently implementing over 90 housing development projects with a total land fund exceeding 200 ha. These projects are expected to create over 300,000 apartments, meeting the needs of approximately 1.2 million people. "The city will pilot one to two social rental housing areas directly serving workers and laborers, while expanding the eligibility for rental housing compared to before," he said.

Vo Hai