When I was a student in Hanoi, renting an apartment was not a common choice. Back then, apartments were seen as “liabilities,” even though they cost around VND2 billion, they could only be rented out for VND3-5 million per month. Now, however, apartments in the city have become a luxury, with their values skyrocketing, leaving many people in shock.
Despite the rapid price changes, I cannot help but wonder what would happen to owners when an apartment becomes severely deteriorated and may need to be demolished. This is a question that not only concerns the value of the property but also the future of those who have invested their lives and finances into these high-rise buildings.
Currently, I live in Europe and have a different perspective on property ownership. Although I own a house in the suburbs, I choose to rent a 100-square-meter apartment in the city center to make commuting and daily living more convenient. Renting an apartment gives me more flexibility in life. If my job changes or I want to find a new living space, I can move without many restrictions.
Moreover, renting also helps me save time and money. If something breaks in the apartment, I just need to inform the landlord and they will take care of it. I do not need to invest in renovations or worry about maintenance or upgrades. Instead of spending a large sum on owning property, I use my money to travel, exercise, or invest in valuable assets such as land.
In Europe, it is quite common to live in small, minimalist apartments. I too follow this trend. I only equip my home with the essential items and my bedroom consists of a bed and a wardrobe. The house is airy and clean, which is enough to feel comfortable. After a long day of work and exercise, I just need a place to rest. A beautiful, luxurious house may offer a sense of glamour, but it is not necessary.
Looking back to my home country, owning a house, especially an apartment, remains a huge pressure for many people. A VND6 billion apartment can sometimes be far beyond the imagination of many families.
So why not make renting a home the standard? Renting not only helps ease the financial burden but also provides flexibility and freedom in life.
We need to change the mindset that a house is a must-have and the biggest asset to buy in a person’s life. A comfortable living space that suits one’s needs and provides a comfortable life is what truly matters.
Ultimately, a home is just a part of your life, and it is the experiences and freedom that we should truly value.
*This opinion was translated into English with the assistance of AI. Readers’ views are personal and do not necessarily match VnExpress’ viewpoints.
