Sharing with Lao Dong reporters, a representative of Batdongsan. com said that Ho Chi Minh City currently accounts for half of the total real estate search volume of the whole country. In the rented room segment alone, the level of interest increased by 130% compared to the same period last year.
Apartment and private house rental types also recorded an increase of more than 50% respectively. These figures reflect a clear reality: Housing demand is accelerating right from the beginning of the year.
The excitement of the rental market takes place in the context of the macroeconomy having many positive signals. Retail sales of goods and consumer services grew quite well, the number of newly registered and returning businesses increased sharply compared to the previous year.
When production and business activities become bustling again, the demand for labor also increases. And every stream of people returning to the city to work means the need to find a stable place to live.
In many areas around the center of Ho Chi Minh City, it is not difficult to see tenants going to see rooms right after Tet. Some landlords said that the number of inquiries increased sharply, many rows of rooms were fully booked after only a few weeks.
However, what is noteworthy is that despite the high demand, the general rental price level has still little fluctuation compared to previous quarters. This is considered a factor that helps workers breathe easier in balancing spending.
However, "stable" rent does not mean reduced financial pressure. For the majority of workers, young office workers or freelancers, rent still accounts for a large proportion of monthly income.
Not to mention the increasing costs of electricity, water, services and living expenses. Many people choose to rent instead of buying houses not only because real estate prices are still high, but also because of caution after the strong fluctuations of the market in recent years.
Another notable point is that the search trend is focusing on the segment serving real housing needs. Instead of hunting for investment opportunities, people prioritize affordable living spaces that are convenient for work. This shows that the market is showing signs of rebalancing, as cash flow returns to essential values.
Along with the excitement are significant challenges. The rental market has long had a situation of information lack of transparency, images and prices do not reflect reality.
Many tenants have fallen into a situation of wasting time, even losing money, because of inaccurate news posts. In that context, the trend of prioritizing verified and transparent information sources is becoming increasingly clear.
Developments in early 2026 show that the real estate market may be entering a new cycle, starting from the affordable segment. However, behind the growth figures is a big problem of housing for middle and low-income people. Without fundamental solutions, rapid demand growth may create new pressure on urban infrastructure and living costs.
A vibrant market is a positive sign, but what workers need most is a stable, safe and income-friendly place to live. And that is the real measure of real estate recovery in 2026.
