SOCIAL HOUSING – A SECURE HOUSING OPTION FOR WORKERS IN THAI NGUYEN
Thai Nguyen province is striving to implement the Housing Development Program for the period 2021-2030, contributing to the realization of the Government’s “Development of at least 1 million social housing units” plan. With nearly 176 hectares of land already planned, many projects are being implemented, creating opportunities for low-income earners and workers to find stable housing.
According to targets allocated by the Ministry of Construction, by 2025, Thai Nguyen province must complete 1,084 social housing units, contributing to the national goal. Based on this, Thai Nguyen province has assigned the Department of Construction to lead and coordinate with relevant departments and localities to review land resources, select feasible projects, and create favorable conditions for businesses to participate in investment.
To realize this goal, Thai Nguyen province has proactively reviewed and planned land at 59 different locations to implement social housing projects and worker accommodation in industrial zones during the 2025-2030 period.
Of the total land fund mentioned above, over 74 hectares are planned for social housing construction (independent social housing projects); over 90 hectares are allocated with 20% of the area for social housing development within commercial housing projects; over 6.7 hectares are for the construction of worker accommodation in industrial zones; and 5 hectares are for housing for the people’s armed forces.
Beyond simply allocating land, Thai Nguyen is actively mobilizing resources to invest in the development of social housing projects. The province is also implementing preferential policies as stipulated by the Government within the 12,000 billion VND credit package, creating favorable conditions for both investors and buyers of social housing and worker housing.
Accordingly, residents and workers in need of social housing can access preferential loans from the Social Policy Bank with attractive interest rates, ranging from 4.8% to 6.5% per year. The maximum loan term is up to 25 years, and the loan limit can reach up to 80% of the apartment value. This preferential funding opens up opportunities for many low-income workers living and working in the province to secure stable housing.
As the industrial hub of the northern mountainous region, Thai Nguyen attracts a large workforce. Many social housing projects are being implemented to address housing needs.
The Dai Thang Social Housing Project, located in Van Xuan Ward, Pho Yen Commune, Thai Nguyen Province, commenced construction in April 2024. The project covers over 11 hectares, with nearly 1 hectare dedicated to social housing, including 34 two-story townhouses and an 18-story apartment building with 361 units. Each unit ranges in size from 26.7m2 to 70m2, with 1 to 3 rooms. The project is invested in by TNG Land Joint Stock Company with a total investment of 947 billion VND, aiming to provide housing for 800 low-income individuals and workers.
The project has completed land compensation and site clearance, and handed over the entire 11 hectares of land. Infrastructure is 95% complete, with 34 low-rise social housing units finished and 70% of high-rise social housing completed. Commercial service facilities are currently under construction. Beyond just numbers, social housing projects have been and continue to provide life-changing opportunities for many people. Ms. Hoang Thi Lan, a worker at the Yen Binh Industrial Park (Pho Yen Ward, Thai Nguyen Province), is one of those who registered to buy an apartment at the Dai Thang project. She shared: “My husband and I are factory workers, and our monthly income is only enough to cover living expenses and raise our two young children. Before, buying an apartment was beyond our means. When the social housing project was implemented, my husband and I had the opportunity to buy an apartment at a reasonable price, and we also received support for bank loans, so it feels like our dream of owning a home is gradually becoming a reality.”
Lan’s story reflects the shared aspirations of thousands of workers and low-income earners living and working in industrial zones throughout the province. With preferential policies, affordable prices, and reasonable apartment sizes, social housing is truly a solution that helps them feel secure and committed to long-term living, contributing to the development of the locality.
Perspective view of the social housing project – Dai Thang residential area located in Van Xuan ward, Pho Yen ward, Thai Nguyen province.
The Bach Quang Ward social housing project is invested by VITC High-Tech Construction Investment Joint Stock Company, with a total investment of VND 386.85 billion. The project is built on an area of over 5.68 hectares, including public and commercial-service land (0.2 ha); residential land (2.08 ha); green space (0.32 ha); and transportation and technical infrastructure land (3.08 ha).
Perspective view of the social housing project in Bach Quang ward.
The project includes 260 low-rise social housing units with a maximum area of 70m2/unit, built with 2.5 floors, and one 5-story social housing building comprising 203 standard apartments with a maximum area of 70m2, featuring a modern, expanded basement. In addition, there are facilities such as a kindergarten, commercial and service buildings, and social infrastructure. Upon completion, the project will provide housing for approximately 1,780 residents.
During the period 2026-2030, Thai Nguyen continues to aim for the development of thousands more new social housing units to meet the growing needs of residents and workers.
The development of social housing is one of the key tasks in the economic development of Thai Nguyen province, and is the responsibility and obligation of state management agencies, society, businesses, and the people. Social housing planning must be integrated into urban planning, industrial planning, and service planning, linked to the development of the real estate market. It must ensure the synchronization of technical and social infrastructure.
In addition, Thai Nguyen province focuses on developing a comprehensive system of technical and social infrastructure around social housing projects, such as schools, kindergartens, markets, health stations, and connecting transportation. This not only creates favorable living conditions but also contributes to the formation of civilized and modern urban areas, meeting the requirements of long-term development.
According to Plan No. 146/KH-UBND dated June 16, 2025, Vice Chairman of the People’s Committee of Thai Nguyen province, Nguyen Thi Loan, emphasized the need to review and supplement urban planning and industrial park planning to ensure sufficient land is allocated for social housing development. She stressed the importance of strictly implementing regulations on allocating land for worker accommodation in industrial parks and dedicating 20% of residential land in commercial housing projects and urban areas to social housing development.
Social housing is not simply a construction project; it’s a place that nurtures dreams of secure housing, a place that ignites hope for a stable and sustainable future for thousands of families. With determination and the support of both the political system and businesses, that dream is getting closer and closer to workers in Thai Nguyen.
