HOUSING THE URBAN POOR IN VIETNAM

Abstract

Like most less developed countries, housing poses an unrelenting challenge in Vietnam. With an urban population that makes up 24% of the total population, and a huge unmet housing need, the issue of housing policy direction is crucially important. Against the backdrop of public housing programs that have proven to be successful, together with the analysis of the urban housing situation in Vietnam, a case was made for the adoption of enabling strategies for the formulation of housing strategies for the urban poor. They include viewing housing as an integral part of the national economic system, spearheading policies to reduce poverty, reorganizing institutional arrangements, providing tenure security and property rights, ensuring proper planning procedures, building codes and construction permits, considering housing finance for the urban poor as well as promoting economic development. This set of guidelines will serve as a useful tool for future policy makers undertaking the task of formulating housing policies for the urban poor in Vietnam.