Which type of apartment is suitable for me? This is a question you will encounter when starting to search for a rental apartment, alongside questions about budget and location. Determining the type of apartment that suits you may not always be clear because there are many types of apartments to consider. So, how many popular types of apartments are there in Vietnam?
The differences among the 11 most popular types of rental apartments in Vietnam in 2021
Perhaps the most common way to classify apartments is based on the number of bedrooms in the unit (one-bedroom, two-bedroom, and three-bedroom), but there are other factors that can be used to group apartments, such as design and size.
Understanding the popular types of rental apartments in Vietnam will help you save time and choose the best apartment for your budget and needs. Here is a list of 11 different types of apartments that you can find:
1. Studio Apartment
A studio apartment is a concept used to refer to small apartments, ranging from 25-65m2. The interior space of the apartment does not have partitions, but it still has all the basic functions such as a bedroom, living room, kitchen, and bathroom.
Studio apartments are designed for individuals with a low budget or for singles, students, newlyweds, etc., who want to live in the central area for convenient transportation.
Read more: What is a studio apartment? 10 advantages and 5 disadvantages you need to know when renting.
2. Basic Apartment
Basic apartments, also known as condominium apartments, are the most common type of apartment in Vietnam. They are present in all segments, from affordable, mid-range, high-end to luxury apartments.
With diverse designs and sizes such as one-bedroom, two-bedroom, three-bedroom, four-bedroom apartments, etc., a condominium apartment will have all the functional areas: living room, dining room, kitchen, bathroom, and one or more bedrooms. This is a type of private apartment that is most preferred by many renters and is beneficial for sharing costs with roommates.
In addition to classifying condominium apartments based on the number of bedrooms, you can also categorize them into furnished and unfurnished apartments. An unfurnished condominium apartment would be a great choice if you want to design your living space yourself, but consider the cost.
3. Serviced Apartment
A serviced apartment is a type of apartment that comes with full amenities and furniture, similar to a regular apartment, and includes services such as housekeeping, bed linen changes, laundry, dishwashing, internet, cable TV, etc.
Simply put, “Serviced Apartment = Regular Apartment + Services”
Serviced apartments can cater to both short-term and long-term tenants. They are commonly found in major cities such as Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, Da Nang, Nha Trang, Phu Quoc, Can Tho, Vung Tau, Hai Phong, etc.
These are some of the types of rental apartments you can find in Vietnam. Each type has its own advantages and considerations, so it’s important to assess your preferences, budget, and needs before making a decision.
Read more: What is a serviced apartment? and 9 outstanding benefits of serviced apartments
4. Office-tel (OT) – Officetel apartment
Officetel apartment is a combination of office and hotel functions. The officetel apartment typically has an area ranging from 25 to 50 square meters, suitable for individuals or small businesses/start-ups.
In simpler terms, officetel is a hybrid office model that incorporates features of a home. The officetel apartment encompasses most of the usage characteristics of a home, a hotel, and a modern office. It provides a highly comfortable working environment, free from the constraints and stuffiness of traditional offices.
Tenants of officetel apartments have access to all the amenities available in the residential complex, such as swimming pools, gyms, recreational areas, restaurants, and shopping areas. Major officetel developers in Vietnam include Novaland, Vinhomes, Sacomreal, Phhat Dat, …
5. Commercial Apartment – Shophouse – Shophouse apartment
Shophouse apartment or commercial apartment is typically located on the ground floors of residential apartment complexes. The concept of shophouse apartment is a “2-in-1” space that serves as both a place for business and a residence.
Shophouse apartments usually have a structure of two or more floors:
Floor 1: Used for shops, offices, restaurants, cafes, childcare centers, etc.
Floor 2: Functions as the living space for the entire family, with all necessary rooms.
6. Attic Apartment – Loft Apartment
Essentially, an attic apartment is similar to a studio apartment in terms of functional areas and the absence of partition walls. However, the key difference lies in its spacious area, open layout, and high ceilings, creating a sense of openness and avoiding a cramped feeling.
In Vietnam, the defining feature of a loft apartment is the presence of a loft or mezzanine. Most loft apartments are designed in a soft loft style, which means they can be newly built or renovated and don’t necessarily have to be located in the attic or follow an industrial style. There are two popular types of loft designs: lofthouse in upscale condominiums with ceiling heights of 4-5 meters and areas ranging from 100 to 250 square meters, and loft serviced apartments commonly found in serviced apartment buildings with ceiling heights of 3.5-4 meters and areas ranging from 40 to 100 square meters.
Read more: What is a loft apartment? Popular loft designs in Vietnam
Lofthouse at Lancaster Lincoln project in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
7. Penthouse Apartment:
A penthouse is an apartment located on the highest floor of a condominium, hotel, or tower, and it doesn’t necessarily have to be a duplex. Penthouse apartments are also known by other names such as rooftop apartments or duplex penthouses.
Penthouses are often compared to a luxurious villa or an island in the sky, offering all the benefits of a luxurious home. Penthouse apartments are designed with two common types: a regular penthouse and a duplex penthouse.
In addition, some high-end condominium projects may enhance the value and uniqueness of a penthouse apartment by adding features such as a swimming pool (Pool penthouse) and a private garden – envisioning it as an elevated island. Rarely, some projects use private elevators to create exclusive privileges for penthouse owners.
A true penthouse apartment will have distinctive features that cannot be found in other types of apartments. It boasts spacious areas with high ceilings and glass walls that provide wide and open views for the apartment. The view is often the highlight of a penthouse.
Read more: What is a Penthouse? The pros and cons of life at the top to see if this limited edition is for you.
8. Dual-Key Apartment:
A dual-key apartment, also known as a dual-key or dual-key apartment, is a type of apartment that shares a common entrance but is internally divided into two separate entrances: one leading to the main room and the other to a smaller room. Each room has its own complete functional areas, including a living room, kitchenette, bathroom, and separate bedroom.
The idea of a dual-key apartment is to have “two apartments in one.” This type of apartment is suitable for multi-generational families living together, providing connectivity while still ensuring privacy for family members. It is also easy to combine two apartments into one by removing the dividing wall.
In Vietnam, there are not many dual-key apartments, and you can find them in upscale condominiums.
9. Duplex Apartment:
A duplex apartment, also known as a duplex or two-story apartment, is an apartment with at least two adjacent floors within a building. It has an internal staircase within the apartment. Duplex apartments can be located interspersed between floors – not necessarily on the top floor like a penthouse. Size: from 100m2 to 300m2.
With the duplex layout, the apartment offers ample usable space not only for basic functions but also for additional spaces such as a reading room, a bar area, a massage room, suitable for large families or a group of friends.
Common duplex designs in Vietnam:
Ground floor: living room, dining area, kitchen, laundry area, reading room, bathroom, maid’s room, etc.
Second floor: bedrooms and bathrooms.
Read more: What is a duplex apartment? 5 advantages and 5 disadvantages you need to know before renting
10. Sky Villa Apartment:
A sky villa apartment is a combination of a standalone villa and an apartment, creating a luxurious and upscale living space with full amenities such as a swimming pool, garden, gym, and expansive views. Additionally, sky villas often feature a duplex design to maximize space and views. Size: 150m2 and above.
In Ho Chi Minh City, some famous sky villa apartment projects include:
Sky Villa Landmark 81 – Vinhomes Central Park (Binh Thanh District)
Serenity Sky Villa – Sonkim Land (District 3)
Diamond Island – Kusto Group (District 2)
11. Basement Apartment:
Basement apartments are commonly found in the central areas of major cities like Hanoi, Da Nang, or Ho Chi Minh City – where there are high-rise buildings and a dense population. The basements of buildings are utilized and converted into apartments for rent, generating additional income and increasing the value of real estate.
A basement apartment is an apartment located in the basement of a building. Key features of a basement apartment are that it is situated below ground level, with little or no natural light, low ceiling height, and a separate entrance/exit.
Basement apartments offer advantages such as lower rental prices compared to other regular apartments, cooler temperatures, increased privacy, easy acceptance of renovation, and a central location within the city.
Read more: What is a basement apartment? Everything you need to know before renting
