Vietnam mulls taxing owners for not using houses
Print 
The Ministry of Finance is considering imposing new taxes on houses that are left vacant and unused.
Under the proposal, if homes are left abandoned for more three months, they could be subject to a tax of 5% of the property’s total value, according to Dan Tri.
If left unused for more than a year, that fee would increase to 10%.
Vacant homes, especially villas whose constructions have not been finished, are easily seen in Hanoi.
According to the Ministry of Construction, nearly 700 luxury homes in Hanoi remain empty, Dan Tri reported.
The ministry is also considering additional fines of between VND10 and VND20 million (up to US$1,000).
This is aimed at minimizing wastes in the real estate market.
An Sinh apartment block in My Dinh 2 urban area, Tu Liem District, is a typical example, with large homes that have been left abandoned for as much as five years.
Others, including Co Nhue, Van Quan and Phap Van-Tu Hiep urban areas, are in the same condition.
