We Researched 5 Reliable Real Estate Agencies in Vietnam to Help Avoid Rental Scams
Finding a place in Vietnam feels like driving a motorbike in Ho Chi Minh City for the first time. It is exciting, slightly chaotic, and much better if you have a local guiding you.
The right agent makes the difference between snagging a riverside villa and getting lost in translation.
However, navigating old listings and language barriers makes it hard to know who to trust. We researched the market to find reliable real estate agencies in Vietnam.
We specifically looked for teams that actually call you back, translate the fine print, and help you fix the AC when it breaks.
Here are the top services to help you settle in without the stress.
How much does real estate cost in Vietnam?
Before we jump into the reviews, let’s talk money so you aren’t blindsided.
If you are renting, you typically don’t pay the agent a dime as the landlord almost always covers this fee.
However, you need to budget for the rent itself.
A decent local studio or one-bedroom apartment usually runs between 8,000,000 VND and 15,000,000 VND, while high-end units in expat hubs like Thao Dien often range from 15,000,000 VND to over 30,000,000 VND.
Two-bedroom units generally start around 15,000,000 VND, but luxury serviced apartments can easily exceed 35,000,000 VND. You will also need to prepare a security deposit equal to one or two months’ rent, plus your first month’s payment upfront.
Sellers often negotiate brokerage commissions around 1-3% of the sale price. Sellers also owe a 2% Personal Income Tax on gross sales proceeds (with deductions possible for original costs).
Buyers typically pay a ~0.5% registration fee and, for new apartments, a 2% sinking fund contribution based on construction costs.
1. Honeycomb Head Office
Website: https://www.honeycomb.vn/
Address: 26C, Road No.10, Thao Dien Ward, Thu Duc City, Ho Chi Minh City
Contact: 0906 358 359 | [email protected]
Schedule: 24/7 Agent Support, Office Active Until 11:30 PM
Honeycomb skips the corporate machine atmosphere. Instead, they act like a helpful friend who knows every landlord in town.
They stand out with their advertised 24/7 agent support via hotline and messaging apps. This is a massive benefit if you are in a different time zone, trying to plan your relocation before you arrive.
Interestingly, they focus heavily on the expat community in Thao Dien. While this means they know exactly what foreigners need, it can also mean their portfolio is more concentrated in higher-end districts rather than local hidden gems.
I actually reached out to one of their agents late on a Sunday evening, expecting a reply the next day. He got back to me within 15 minutes with three solid options.
That level of speed is quite notable here, though it creates pressure to decide quickly.
Thanks again!
Brilliant service. Eric was fantastic, from speaking to other estate agents he was the most honest, and also the most willing to answer questions and make me feel at ease. He also fought my corner with regards to getting things fixed, and seems like a genuinely nice person.
I would, and will recommend him to everyone..
Thanks again!
– Freddie Pitts, Google Review
A reliable real estate partner in HCM.
Vi is very efficient and helpful. Goes out of her way to make sure everything is in order. From start (getting the brief right, giving the proper options) to end (getting everything signed, and any help needed for the flat), I feel very reassured. Definitely recommend to everyone, especially expats trying to look for a reliable real estate partner in HCM.
– AD Hunter, Google Review
2. Vietnamhouse Inc. Ho Chi Minh City
Website: https://vietnamhouse.jp/
Address: 9 Hoang Sa, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
Contact: 028 3911 2100 | [email protected]
Schedule: Mon-Sat 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
If you value precision and punctuality above all else, Vietnamhouse Inc. is likely the agency for you.
Originating with a strong focus on the Japanese community in Ho Chi Minh City, they bring a level of professional rigor that is sometimes missing in the chaotic local market.
Reliability and organizational excellence define their approach. So when they say a viewing is at 2:00 PM, they are there at 1:55 PM with the keys ready.
They work well for corporate relocations and clients who need everything strictly “by the book.”
However, this rigorous structure can sometimes feel a bit rigid compared to more casual agencies.
Their operating hours are strictly business-focused, and they close at 5:00 PM. This proves difficult if you are house hunting after work hours and need evening viewings, or if you prefer a more flexible negotiation style regarding lease terms.
One of the best real estate agencies that I have ever known
This is one of the best real estate agencies that I have ever known. The staff are trying to deliver the best service. They take care of every client with quick responses and timely support.
– hathanh nguyen, Google Review
Instrumental in helping us find the perfect rental property in Vietnam
Vietnamhouse Inc. provided outstanding service to my family. They were instrumental in helping us find the perfect rental property in Vietnam. Their team made the entire process seamless and stress-free. We highly recommend Vietnamhouse Inc. to anyone seeking real estate assistance!
– Allister Clisham, Google Review
3. CVR (Central Vietnam Realty)
Website: https://cvr.com.vn/
Address: 333 Chuong Duong Street, Ngu Hanh Son District, Da Nang City
Contact: 023 6365 1839 (Office) | 0934 891 746 (WhatsApp, Zalo) | [email protected]
Schedule:
- Mon-Fri: 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM
- Sat 8:30 AM – 12:00 PM
If your sights are set on the stunning beaches of Da Nang or the charm of Hoi An, CVR is a leading specialist.
While most agencies fight over Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi, CVR has carved out a niche as the go-to specialist for Central Vietnam. Their main strength lies in their deep, hyper-local knowledge of the Da Nang market.
You might tour a beachfront villa in the morning and a city condo in the afternoon.
Investors frequently use CVR for vacation rentals, and retirees rely on them when settling down by the coast. The obvious downside is their geographic limitation.
If you decide last-minute that you’d rather be in a big city like Saigon, they won’t be able to help you there. Their expertise is incredibly focused, but that focus ensures you get the best advice for that specific region.
Made my property search a breeze.
I had a most delightful experience with CVR! Their exceptional service and dedication to finding the perfect property for me surpassed all expectations. The team’s deep knowledge of the local real estate market, combined with their professionalism and commitment, made my property search a breeze.
Thank you CVR!
– Dawid Frieske, Google Review
Stick with this agency.
My agent has worked very hard for me to find a great apartment.
They reached out to me within 30 minutes of my first phone call. I was connected to an agent quickly.
That night, she sent me 6 choices.
In about 1 week, I agreed to see 2 apartments, and the second one was a match!
Stick with this agency. They will find a great place within your budget.
– Mark Brazil, Google Review
4. Viet Long Housing
Website: https://vietlonghousing.com/
Address: 2nd Floor, Building No. 27A, To Ngoc Van Street, Tay Ho Dist, Hanoi
Contact: 0904 622 983 | 0983 315 588 | [email protected]
Schedule: Mon-Sat 8:00 AM – 7:00 PM
For those heading to the capital, long-term expats frequently recommend Viet Long Housing, especially for the popular Tay Ho (West Lake) district.
Agents here practice “family-style” care. Beyond simply securing a house, they actively help you settle in.
A friend of mine who used them told me that her agent signed the lease and then spent an afternoon helping her shop for curtains and explaining how to pay the electric bill.
They have a massive inventory in Hanoi, but because they are so popular with long-term expats, their best properties often get snapped up immediately. You need to be decisive when working with them.
If you hesitate on a lake-view apartment, it will likely be gone by the next morning. Their intense focus on Tay Ho also means they have fewer options if you are looking for districts further afield.
Viet Long Housing is a great real estate agency.
Viet Long Housing is a great real estate agency. They are professional, and help you find exactly what you’re looking for. They provide many beautiful homes or apartments to choose from depending on your needs. We worked with Ms Nhan Do who been most kind and gone out of her way to help our family far beyond what one could imagine. She helped us long after we found a place. I couldn’t recommend her and Viet Long Housing more.
– T Lom, Google Review
Made the whole process stress-free and enjoyable.
I’m so grateful for Ms. Loan in helping me find my ideal home in Tay Ho district, Hanoi. I had an amazing experience dealing with her to find my home in Tay Ho district, Hanoi. She was professional, attentive, and truly understood my needs. The house she found for me is perfect – it’s in a great location, and matches my preferences. Her knowledge of the market and dedication made the whole process stress-free and enjoyable. I highly recommend Ms. Loan to anyone looking for a reliable and experienced real estate agent in Hanoi!
– marcus yuen, Google Review
5. RESS (Real Estate Service Saigon)
Website: https://ress.vn/
Address: The Manor 2, 91 Nguyễn Hữu Cảnh, Phường 22, Bình Thạnh, Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh
Contact: 0916 258 106 | 028 6274 3458 | [email protected] | [email protected]
Schedule:
- Mon-Sat 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Sun 8:00 AM – 12:30 PM
RESS is a veteran in the market that effectively bridges the gap between local Vietnamese landlords and foreign tenants. They offer trilingual capability and full-service lifecycle management, supporting Japanese expats as well as English speakers.
They manage properties as well, meaning they often have direct ear of the landlord because they are the property managers. This direct connection often speeds up repairs, which is a huge plus.
However, their operational style follows a traditional model.
You might encounter more physical paperwork or stricter procedural steps compared to the instant digital flexibility of newer startups. Despite the old-school approach, they are effective.
I once stopped by their office at The Manor to ask about a listing and was impressed by how organized their filing system was, proving that traditional methods still deliver results.
A real estate agency with a long history in Ho Chi Minh City.
This is a real estate agency with a long history in Ho Chi Minh City. If you have just been transferred to Vietnam, you can rely on them to help you find a home in Japanese. They also handle property purchases, so please feel free to contact us.
– Takashi Matsuo, Google Review (Translated)
A real estate agency that I can trust and can rely on even when I’m far away.
They have been helping me with everything from gathering information to purchasing and managing my property in Vietnam. There are many real estate companies in Vietnam that speak Japanese, but I think there are very few that have a representative who speaks Vietnamese and can also deal with local Vietnamese (real estate developers, etc.). They are a real estate agency that I can trust and can rely on even when I’m far away.
– D A, Google Review (Translated)