The directive was issued by the Standing Committee of the Hanoi Party Committee following a meeting on October 14 to review social housing, resettlement housing and land requirements for 2026-2030.
Under Notice No. 816-TB/TU, city authorities must review existing social housing projects, available land and related development plans, with the revised housing development plan due by November 30, 2026.
The review aims to align housing development with urban planning, actual demand and available funding while avoiding fragmented investment and inefficient land use.
Priority for projects on available land
Hanoi has identified three priorities for future social housing development.
The first is to use land handed over, or due to be handed over, by developers of residential and urban projects, particularly cleared sites with completed infrastructure that can support immediate construction.
The second is to develop social housing within multi-purpose urban areas, alongside resettlement projects and other urban development initiatives.
The third covers new standalone social housing developments, which must meet planning requirements, reflect actual demand and demonstrate financial and practical feasibility.
Authorities have been instructed to minimise approvals for small, scattered projects lacking coordinated infrastructure.
The temporary suspension will not apply to projects already approved in principle by the Standing Committee or those falling within the first two priority categories.
Resettlement housing plans to be accelerated
Alongside the social housing review, Hanoi has made the provision of resettlement land and housing a priority to prevent delays to major infrastructure and urban development projects.
The city has ordered a comprehensive assessment of existing resettlement properties, available land and future demand, particularly for projects requiring extensive land clearance in 2026-2027.
New resettlement accommodation must provide living conditions equal to or better than those at residents' previous homes, with adequate infrastructure and essential services.
Authorities will also examine whether suitable existing land and buildings, including some designated for social housing, can be converted for resettlement purposes in accordance with planning and legal requirements.
A comprehensive resettlement land and housing development plan for 2026-2030 must be completed by October 31, 2026.
The plan will identify available sites, housing requirements, funding, implementation schedules and responsibilities, while improving the allocation of properties between areas facing shortages and those with surplus capacity.
Hanoi also plans to establish a centralised digital database to monitor resettlement land and housing, including legal status, construction progress and availability.
City authorities have been instructed to report on implementation in December 2026.
