Top 5 Most Attractive Real Estate Projects for Vietnamese and Foreigners in Ho Chi Minh City

Why Are Foreigners Increasingly Interested in Real Estate in Ho Chi Minh City?

In recent years, Ho Chi Minh City has emerged as one of the most attractive real estate markets in Southeast Asia—not only for local residents but also for the growing community of foreigners living and working in Vietnam. High-end apartment projects with clear legal status, central locations, and modern amenities have become top choices for those seeking long-term residence or profitable investment opportunities.

According to the 2014 Vietnam Housing Law, foreigners are allowed to own residential properties for up to 50 years, with a cap of 30% of the total units in each apartment building. This regulation provides a legal and appealing pathway for foreigners to acquire property in Ho Chi Minh City—a dynamic metropolis with strong and sustained economic growth.

Top 5 Real Estate Projects in Ho Chi Minh City Ideal for Foreign Buyers – Featuring Sunwah Pearl, The River Thu Thiem, Metropole Thu Thiem, Pearl Plaza, and Opal Tower

1. Sunwah Pearl – World-Class Riverside Apartments

Developed by Sunwah Group (Hong Kong), Sunwah Pearl is located on the golden riverside frontage of Nguyen Huu Canh Street, right at the gateway to District 1. With modern architecture, international-standard amenities, and clear legal ownership, the project allows foreign buyers to legally own properties for up to 50 years.

Sunwah Pearl – Premium Riverside Apartments Along the Saigon River, Legally Available to Foreign Buyers, Prime Location on Nguyen Huu Canh Street, Opposite Landmark 81

The outdoor swimming pool area at Sunwah Pearl offers a refreshing green space, featuring a children’s playground and family-friendly relaxation zones

Sunwah Pearl offers luxurious riverside living with legal foreign ownership rights, located opposite Landmark 81.

The outdoor pool area at Sunwah Pearl provides a green and refreshing space, including a kids’ play zone and family relaxation areas.

Location: Nguyen Huu Canh, Binh Thanh District – just 5 minutes to District 1

Developer: Sunwah Group (Hong Kong) – internationally recognized with transparent legal status

Types of Units: 1–3 bedrooms, officetels, penthouses

Selling Price: From VND 90–120 million/m²

Rental Price: From VND 18–45 million/month depending on the unit

Key Features: Stunning river views, professional building management, on-site shopping mall

Note: Foreign ownership quota is nearing the legal limit – quota verification is required before transaction.

Sunwah Pearl is considered one of the few riverside projects in Saigon built to international standards, ideal for foreigners purchasing homes in Vietnam. With over 25% of residents being expats, it has established a civilized and highly-educated community.

2. The River Thu Thiem – Riverside Luxury Living

Located in the Thu Thiem New Urban Area, The River Thu Thiem is perfect for those seeking a quiet, green, and private lifestyle. It is a popular choice for long-term rental among foreign professionals.

The development features three main towers: River Thames Tower, River Seine Tower, and River Hudson Tower.

Overall view of The River Thu Thiem project – comprising three main towers: River Thames Tower, River Seine Tower, and River Hudson Tower.

Balcony of an apartment at The River Thu Thiem featuring a private infinity pool with a direct view of District 1’s skyline.

Each apartment includes a private balcony with an infinity pool and direct views of District 1.

Location: Nguyen Co Thach Street, Thu Thiem Ward, Thu Duc City

Developer: City Garden JSC (REFICO – CII)

Selling Price: Approx. VND 130–150 million/m²

Rental Price: From VND 25–60 million/month

Resident Community: Popular among expats, especially from Korea and Singapore

Located right next to the Saigon River and just across Thu Thiem Bridge 1 from District 1, The River Thu Thiem delivers resort-style living in the heart of the city. Though only handed over since 2022, the project has already reached a 90% rental occupancy rate due to its modern design, lush greenery, and integrated amenities.

3. Metropole Thu Thiem – Where Prestige Meets Convenience

Metropole Thu Thiem is a high-end integrated development directly connected to Thu Thiem Bridge 2, often referred to as the “Pudong of Saigon.” The project is highly regarded for its price appreciation potential and rental investment value.

A comprehensive complex featuring residential, commercial, hotel, and office functions, located in the heart of Thu Thiem.

Apartments are modern and spacious, featuring high-end interiors with elegant color schemes.

Metropole Thu Thiem – premium complex at the core of Thu Thiem, seamlessly linked to Thu Thiem Bridge 2.

Căn hộ tại dự án Metropole Thủ Thiêm – thiết kế hiện đại, không gian rộng thoáng với nội thất cao cấp và tông màu trang nhã.

Location: Adjacent to the Thu Thiem Central Plaza, opposite Nguyen Hue Pedestrian Street

Selling Price: VND 140–180 million/m²

Price Growth: ~30% increase since 2021

Ideal For: Foreign investors, businesspeople seeking proximity to District 1

Metropole Thu Thiem impresses with its refined architecture and direct connectivity via Thu Thiem Bridge 2, offering a 3-minute commute to the downtown core. With a comprehensive master plan integrating commerce, residences, hotels, and offices, it offers strong long-term appreciation and rental yield.

4. Pearl Plaza – Residential & Commercial Complex with High Rental Potential

Pearl Plaza is a mixed-use complex featuring premium residences, commercial retail, and office space, located on the bustling Dien Bien Phu Street in Binh Thanh District.

A vibrant apartment and commercial complex in central Binh Thanh with high rental demand.

The infinity pool at Pearl Plaza offers a panoramic view of Landmark 81.

Pearl Plaza – A vibrant residential and commercial complex in the heart of Binh Thanh District, offering high rental potential.

Infinity pool at Pearl Plaza – located on a high floor with a direct view of Landmark 81

Location: Dien Bien Phu Street, Binh Thanh – near Vinhomes Central Park

Type: High-end apartments + Office for lease + Shopping center

Rental Price: From VND 15–30 million/month

Legal Status: Long-term ownership certificate, ready for move-in

Pearl Plaza is not only a comfortable place to live but also a business hub for many foreign companies. The apartments maintain high occupancy thanks to its prime location, proximity to Metro lines, and full amenities including CGV cinema, gym, restaurants, and more.

5. Opal Tower – Affordable High-End Apartments for Young Professionals

Opal Tower is an ideal choice for those seeking reasonably priced high-end apartments in Ho Chi Minh City. Located within the Saigon Pearl urban complex, it offers a variety of internal amenities and a strong international resident community.

Part of the Saigon Pearl complex, Opal Tower sits prominently on Nguyen Huu Canh Street in Binh Thanh District.

The elegant lobby of Opal Tower features high ceilings, natural stone finishes, and modern lighting—offering a prestigious welcome.

Overall view of Opal Tower – located within the Saigon Pearl urban complex, right on the frontage of Nguyen Huu Canh Street in Binh Thanh District

Elegant high-ceiling lobby with natural stone and modern lighting – Opal Tower.

Location: Inside Saigon Pearl, Binh Thanh District

Selling Price: From VND 70–85 million/m² – affordable for the high-end segment

Ideal For: Long-term foreign renters, young families, buy-to-let investors

Opal Tower is part of one of the first compound-style apartment developments in HCMC. Though affordably priced, it features full amenities including a pool, supermarket, and 24/7 security—making it a solid investment for both end-users and landlords.

Final Thoughts: Where Should Foreigners Start When Looking for a Home in HCMC?

Whether you’re a foreigner exploring the market or a local investor targeting international tenants, these five projects are outstanding choices. Most of them offer transparent legal status, professional management, modern resident communities, and steady rental yields of 6–8% per year.

📩 Contact Premier Realty today for detailed advice, quota verification, legal guidance, and help selecting the property that best suits your needs.