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Research purpose:
This study aims to assess the current status of social housing development in Vietnam, identify the key factors limiting the effectiveness of social housing provision, and propose viable policy solutions to enhance housing accessibility for low-income populations. Research motivation: Rapid urbanization and rising income inequality in Vietnam have worsened the shortage of affordable housing for low-income groups, especially in major cities. Despite government policies, significant gaps remain between social housing targets and actual delivery. This gap motivates the research to fill knowledge voids and support better policy planning. Research design, approach, and method: This study applies a mixed-methods approach using secondary data. Quantitative analysis of government and market data evaluates housing supply trends, while qualitative thematic analysis with NVivo following Braun and Clarke’s model identifies key challenges in social housing development. Main findings: The research shows Vietnam consistently falls short of its national social housing targets, with development focused mainly in urban centers while rural areas are underserved. Major barriers include limited land allocation, slow disbursement of financial support, unattractive profits for private developers, and poor integration with essential infrastructure. These challenges collectively hinder the pace and effectiveness of social housing delivery. Practical/managerial implications: To bridge the gap between policy and practice, Vietnam needs institutional reforms including a dedicated agency to streamline approvals and data management. Financial incentives such as higher profit ceilings, better credit guarantees, and expanded preferential loans can attract private investment and support demand. Integrating social housing development with targeted infrastructure will improve accessibility and appeal. Policies should also broaden eligibility to include informal workers and migrants, promoting greater social equity. Together, these measures can drive sustainable growth and enhance housing access for vulnerable populations. |
