With the need to convert the type of residence from apartment to ground-level house, Mr. Vu Van Thang (Hai Ba Trung ward, Hanoi) learned about the segment of houses in alleys. However, Mr. Thang cannot help but be surprised by the current price when ranging from 150-300 million VND/m2.
"The apartment price is already high, it is estimated that the apartment I am currently living in in 70m2 costs 7 billion VND, but according to research and actual inspection, the above price I can only buy a 30m2 apartment in the alley. Because I have lived with many generations, I want to move to a multi-storey house to serve the needs of the whole family" - Mr. Thang said.
According to Mr. Thang, houses in narrow alleys, with an area of only 30m2 or more, but are designed and decorated by investors, so prices often "slide up". Mr. Thang said: "Every time I go to see with a broker, the selling price is not less than 7 billion VND, even the alley is only 3m2 wide".
Similarly, Ms. Nguyen Thi Tuyet (Dinh Cong ward, Hanoi) shared that she herself was surprised when the selling price of houses in alleys "danced" at the end of the year.
For example, a 4-storey house with 5 bedrooms, frontage of 3.8m, area of 42m2 in Hoang Mai ward was advertised for sale at 158 million VND/m2 in June 2025, but so far, the owner has raised the price to 167 million VND/m2, making a profit of 500 million VND after only a few months.
Or with houses in alleys with open frontages, over 30m2 and carefully designed by furniture investors, the price can be up to 9 billion VND.
Ms. Tuyet shared that although these houses have the advantage of being located in the center of Hanoi, near schools, hospitals, offices... the prices are constantly increasing, making her family not have much time to think and make the best choice.
"After only 4 months, many apartments have increased in price by about half a billion VND, and the areas also have different prices, making me hesitant because I am afraid of buying too much" - Ms. Tuyet frankly shared.
With many years of experience as a real estate broker in Hanoi, Mr. Nguyen Quang Hung said: "Currently, buyers tend to choose to carefully look at furniture and decorate indoors, the location is also an important factor but they aim to improve living space".
Mr. Nguyen The Diep - Vice President of Hanoi Real Estate Club - recommended that the segment of houses in alleys is not a trend in the future. In terms of long-term and macro vision, houses in alleys have many shortcomings and disadvantages in terms of technical infrastructure, social infrastructure, and security and safety that have not been guaranteed.
For long-term investors, the Vice President of Hanoi Real Estate Club warned: "With the goal of increasing income and cash flow, the alley house segment does not have much potential, which is risky investment".
However, according to Mr. Diep, the segment of houses in alleys is a small segment, suitable for those working in the inner city, with diverse prices for all financial capabilities. Operating according to market mechanisms, supply is not enough demand, so houses in alleys are still " high".
