Brokers lure customers to buy mini apartments with rope ladders and gas masks

Mr. Le Anh Hai, a broker specializing in selling mini apartments in Thanh Xuan district ( Hanoi ) said that since the mini apartment fire in Khuong Ha, almost no customers are interested in this type of apartment because of concerns about fire safety.

However, two days ago, after he posted information about fire protection, rope ladders, and gas masks, houses priced at 1.2 - 1.3 billion VND started to have buyers.

" Although the customer has not yet confirmed the deal, this is a good sign, after a whole week without anyone asking, " said Mr. Hai.

According to Mr. Hai, in reality, with a budget of around 1 billion VND, the mini apartment segment is still of interest to many low-income households who want a stable place to live, despite the legal and safety risks of this type. Because if they do not buy these apartments, they will have to rent and they will still live in houses like mini apartments.

Many offers for mini apartments come with fire protection system. (Screenshot).

“ The current housing prices in Hanoi are too high, apartments priced at 2 billion have almost disappeared from the market. Therefore, mini apartments under 1 billion will still be the choice of low-income people. However, when buying, they will have to pay more attention to fire safety issues, so apartments with fire escapes and rope ladders will attract more customers ,” said Mr. Hai.

Ms. Nguyen Thi Men, another broker in Hanoi, also said that the demand of customers for the mini apartment segment is still very large. Therefore, after the fire in Khuong Ha, they may be temporarily cautious, but only a short time later, home buyers will return to this segment, of course with conditions on fire safety.

That's why, to attract customers, these days she has prioritized posting information about fire prevention and fighting issues in the most visible position when selling mini apartments.

“ We bring up whatever customers are interested in to meet their needs. Although there are not as many people asking to buy as before, there are still 2-3 customers calling every day to inquire, not as quiet as the first few days after the fire, ” said Ms. Men.

According to real estate experts, the demand for mini apartments in Hanoi will remain very high, and rental prices for this type of apartment will be difficult to decrease, but investors and residents will pay more attention to safety issues.

According to data from Batdongsan.com.vn, in the first 8 months of 2023, apartments with an area of less than 35 square meters are usually studio apartments in large projects or apartments in mini apartments, which attract people's attention due to their affordable prices and easy liquidity and rental.

Mr. Dinh Minh Tuan - Director of Batdongsan.com.vn in the Southern region also said that the supply of apartments is likely to decrease because it will be more difficult for investors to obtain construction permits and open for sale when management and inspection of fire prevention and rescue work is stepped up.

The mini apartment market will face difficulties in the coming time, but prices may not decrease. (Illustration: Cong Hieu).

In addition, the cost of construction and operation of apartment buildings is also expected to increase according to the design and acceptance and maintenance work in accordance with fire prevention regulations.

“ Demand for mini apartments may decrease, but the rate is insignificant. In the context of limited supply, high demand and rising costs, prices are unlikely to decrease ,” said Mr. Tuan.

Also commenting on the mini apartment market in the coming time, Mr. Nguyen Quoc Anh - Deputy General Director of Batdongsan.com.vn said that after the particularly serious fire that occurred at the mini apartment building on Khuong Ha Street (Thanh Xuan District, Hanoi City), the mini apartment market is expected to face difficulties.

“ The next phase will be very difficult for mini apartment businessmen as well as buyers and renters of this type because the authorities will review projects, not only in Hanoi but across the country ,” said Mr. Nguyen Quoc Anh.

According to Mr. Quoc Anh, this move will force many mini apartment owners to temporarily stop their business when they do not comply with strict fire prevention regulations. They will also lose a lot of time and money to repair and meet the conditions for operating the apartment building.

According to experts, for tenants, they can end their lease and find a new place if their current place is not safe. However, the number of affordable apartments that meet security and safety criteria is very small. Therefore, the rent will increase.

Chau Anh

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