As of November 17, the first day of application processing for the CT3 social housing project in Kim Chung Urban Area (Thien Loc Commune, Hanoi), nearly 1,400 application slips had been distributed via an automated queuing system.

By the second day, despite cold and rainy early winter weather, hundreds of people continued to line up outside the Thien Loc Commune’s Culture–Information–Sports Center, many wearing raincoats and holding umbrellas as they waited to submit their documents.

While the initial frenzy of overnight camping had subsided, many applicants still arrived as early as 4 a.m. The appeal of social housing units priced around 1 billion VND (approximately 40,000 USD) was enough to draw a continuous flow of hopeful buyers throughout the day.

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Residents wait to take queue numbers at the CT3 Kim Chung social housing project. Photo: N.P

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Project staff guide applicants through the process and do not collect any service fees. Photo: N.P

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On the first day (November 17), nearly 1,400 application slips were issued. Photo: N.P

Speaking to VietNamNet, Nguyen Thanh Trung, Director of the CT3 Kim Chung Social Housing Project Management Board, explained that the application process involves five key steps.

First is obtaining a queue number. The applicant must be present in person with original identification and documents to receive a number. Project staff then record the order number, register the applicant’s details, and issue an appointment slip for document submission.

At the document submission stage, staff verify the applicant’s identification against original documents. Complete and correct files receive a receipt slip; otherwise, applicants are instructed on how to correct and resubmit within the deadline.

Next comes a random draw or negotiation for apartment selection. Once that is completed, customers move on to contract signing. If an applicant decides not to proceed with the purchase, rent-to-own, or rental, their application will be returned so they can apply to another project.

The developers emphasize that each step is guided and monitored by trained staff, who verify documents to ensure transparency and accuracy.

Mr. Trung noted that contingency plans are in place to manage crowd overflow. The development consortium has worked with local authorities, police, and the Culture–Information–Sports Center to ensure a spacious, orderly environment. They are also prepared to expand the venue and staffing levels should the volume of applications rise significantly.

“The investment consortium has no ties with any real estate exchanges and provides all consultations free of charge. Depending on application volume, we will consider extending the submission period if there are still too many pending files,” Trung stated.

He also assured applicants that all valid applications would be accepted according to proper procedures, with no one being left out.

On the first day alone (November 17), the consortium issued nearly 1,400 numbered slips for applications.

Despite the weather, many people patiently waited for their turn to register. The scene of residents queuing overnight for a chance to buy social housing underscores the growing pressure on affordable housing access, especially as commercial apartment prices in urban areas continue to surge.

According to the Ministry of Construction, in Q3 of 2025, the average primary selling price for apartments in Hanoi rose sharply to around 95 million VND/m² (approximately 3,850 USD/m²), with over 43% of new supply priced above 120 million VND/m² (around 4,860 USD/m²).

Since late 2024, a series of social housing projects have been launched in Hanoi. However, the number of completed units still falls far short of actual demand. Projects with unit prices ranging from 18–30 million VND/m² (730–1,220 USD/m²) have become the only realistic path to homeownership for many families.

Hong Khanh