The escalating challenge of housing affordability in Vietnam has drawn the explicit and resolute attention of Prime Minister Phạm Minh Chính. In a significant address delivered at a meeting of the Central Steering Committee on Housing Policy and Real Estate Market on September 22, 2025, the Prime Minister articulated profound concerns regarding the exorbitant cost of housing and its detrimental impact on the populace. His statements underscore a critical socio-economic dilemma: a population in need of housing yet unable to access it due to prohibitive prices, signaling a determined governmental stance against market speculation and in favor of ensuring housing accessibility for its citizens.

The Prime Minister's remarks highlight a stark paradox within the Vietnamese housing landscape: "Nhân dân thiếu nhà ở nhưng lại không có nhà để mua" (People lack housing but cannot afford to buy it). This statement encapsulates a fundamental disconnect between the supply of housing and the purchasing power of the general public. It suggests that while there might be available housing units, their price points render them inaccessible to a significant portion of the population. This is not merely a quantitative shortage of housing but a qualitative one, where the existing supply does not meet the affordability criteria of those who need it most. The implication is a market failure where the basic human need for shelter is increasingly commodified beyond the reach of average citizens, leading to potential social instability and economic inequality.

Prime Minister Chính further concretized this issue by citing a specific, alarming benchmark: "Nhà cứ 100 triệu/m² thì dân làm sao có tiền mua được" (If houses are 100 million VND/m², how can people afford them?). This figure, approximately 4,000 USD per square meter (at an assumed exchange rate of 25,000 VND/USD), represents an extraordinarily high price point for a developing economy. Such a valuation places homeownership firmly out of reach for the vast majority of Vietnamese households, whose average incomes are significantly lower than what would be required to service a mortgage for properties at this price. The rhetorical question "dân làm sao có tiền mua được" is not merely an inquiry but a powerful expression of incredulity and concern, emphasizing the severe mismatch between housing costs and average earning capacities. It underscores the Prime Minister's empathy with the struggles of ordinary citizens and his recognition of the profound economic pressure this places on families and individuals striving for a secure future. This specific numerical example serves as a potent symbol of the broader affordability crisis, illustrating the magnitude of the challenge faced by those aspiring to homeownership.

The Prime Minister's concern extends beyond current high prices to the underlying dynamics driving them, specifically identifying the issue of "thổi giá bất động sản lên" (inflating real estate prices). This phrase is critical, as it implies that the high prices are not solely a result of organic supply and demand forces but are, at least in part, artificially inflated through speculative activities, market manipulation, or other non-productive economic behaviors. The warning is clear: "Nếu cứ thổi giá bất động sản lên, người dân thấy giá nhà cao, cao mãi, cao quá, người dân không thể mua được" (If real estate prices are inflated, people will see prices rise, rise endlessly, too high, and they won't be able to buy). This statement reveals a deep apprehension about a market spiraling out of control, where prices are continuously pushed upwards, creating an insurmountable barrier to entry for prospective homeowners. The consequence is a permanent exclusion of a large segment of the population from the housing market, leading to a widening wealth gap and potentially undermining social cohesion. Such unchecked inflation of asset prices can also divert capital from productive investments into speculative real estate, posing risks to the broader economic stability and sustainable development of the nation.

The context of these remarks – a meeting of the Central Steering Committee on Housing Policy and Real Estate Market – is highly significant. The existence of such a high-level committee, chaired by the Prime Minister, signifies that housing affordability and real estate market stability are considered national strategic priorities. The Prime Minister's decision to deliver such a pointed and direct address at this forum indicates a serious governmental commitment to tackling these issues head-on. It suggests that the government is not merely observing the market but is actively seeking to understand its dysfunctions and is prepared to implement measures to correct them. The committee's mandate likely involves coordinating various ministries and agencies to formulate and execute comprehensive policies, ranging from increasing the supply of affordable housing to regulating market practices and curbing speculative activities.

The "sự quyết liệt của Thủ tướng Chính phủ" (determination of the Prime Minister) is evident in several aspects of his statement. Firstly, his language is direct, unambiguous, and empathetic. He does not shy away from calling out the problem in stark terms, using phrases that resonate with the struggles of ordinary people. The rhetorical question "dân làm sao có tiền mua được" is a powerful expression of his concern for the welfare of the citizenry. Secondly, his warning against "thổi giá bất động sản lên" is a clear signal to market actors that speculative behavior will not be tolerated indefinitely and that the government is prepared to intervene. This serves as a deterrent to those who might seek to profit from artificial price inflation at the expense of social equity. Thirdly, the very act of raising these concerns at a high-level steering committee meeting, rather than through a general public statement, indicates a strategic and coordinated approach. It implies that these are not just observations but directives for action, signaling an expectation for concrete policy proposals and implementation from the relevant government bodies.

This determination suggests a multi-pronged approach to address the housing crisis. While specific policies are not detailed in the provided information, the Prime Minister's concerns strongly imply a need for:
1.  **Enhanced Market Regulation:** To curb speculative activities and prevent artificial price inflation. This could involve stricter controls on real estate transactions, taxation on speculative gains, or measures to increase market transparency.
2.  **Increased Supply of Affordable Housing:** To address the fundamental imbalance between demand and affordable supply. This might entail government-backed social housing programs, incentives for developers to build lower-cost units, or land use policies that prioritize housing for low- and middle-income groups.
3.  **Review of Housing Policies:** To ensure that existing policies are effective in promoting equitable access to housing and do not inadvertently contribute to price escalation. This could involve examining zoning laws, construction costs, and financing mechanisms.
4.  **Protection of Citizen's Rights:** To ensure that the fundamental right to adequate housing is upheld, particularly for vulnerable populations. The Prime Minister's emphasis on "nhân dân" underscores a commitment to social welfare and equity.

The long-term consequences of an unaffordable housing market, as implicitly acknowledged by the Prime Minister, are far-reaching. Beyond individual hardship, it can lead to a decline in living standards, increased social inequality, and a potential brain drain if skilled workers cannot afford to live in urban centers. An overheated real estate market can also create systemic financial risks, as asset bubbles can burst, leading to economic instability. The Prime Minister's resolute stance, therefore, is not just about housing; it is about safeguarding the nation's socio-economic stability and ensuring sustainable development. His commitment to addressing the issue head-on reflects a recognition that a healthy and equitable housing market is foundational to a prosperous and stable society.

In conclusion, Prime Minister Phạm Minh Chính's statements on September 22, 2025, represent a critical moment in Vietnam's approach to its housing challenges. His direct, empathetic, and resolute language, delivered at a high-level government forum, unequivocally signals the government's deep concern over exorbitant housing prices and the detrimental impact of market speculation. The Prime Minister's determination is evident in his clear articulation of the problem, his specific example of unaffordability at "100 triệu/m²," and his explicit warning against "thổi giá bất động sản lên." This stance not only acknowledges the severity of the housing affordability crisis but also indicates a strong political will to implement corrective measures. It is a call to action for all stakeholders to work towards a more equitable and stable housing market, ensuring that the fundamental right to shelter is accessible to all citizens, thereby contributing to the nation's overall social harmony and economic resilience. The Prime Minister's intervention underscores a commitment to prioritizing the welfare of the people over unchecked market forces, setting a clear direction for future housing policy and real estate market regulation in Vietnam.

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**References**

Prime Minister's Office. (2025, September 22). *Phát biểu của Thủ tướng Chính phủ Phạm Minh Chính tại cuộc họp của Ban Chỉ đạo Trung ương về chính sách nhà ở và thị trường bất động sản chiều 22/9*. [https://example.com/prime-minister-housing-speech-2025](https://example.com/prime-minister-housing-speech-2025)