Frequently Asked Questions

Use the search bar on the properties page to filter by keyword, property type, bedrooms, furniture status, and price range. You can also browse by neighbourhood. Save properties you like by clicking the bookmark icon — they'll appear in your favorites for easy comparison.

Once you find a property you're interested in, click "Inquire" or contact us directly. We'll schedule a viewing at a time that works for you. For expats still abroad, we can arrange a video viewing via WhatsApp or Zoom.

Yes, rent is often negotiable in Vietnam — especially for longer leases (12+ months). We handle negotiations on your behalf and know the market rates for An Khanh and Thanh My Tay. Depending on the property and lease length, we may negotiate on rent, the deposit, lease terms, or request extras like furniture upgrades or included utilities. How much is possible varies by listing — we'll be honest with you about what's realistic for each property.

We specialise in An Khanh Ward (formerly Thao Dien, commonly called District 2) and Thanh My Tay Ward (Binh Thanh District). These are the most popular expat neighbourhoods in Ho Chi Minh City, with international schools, Western amenities, and easy access to the city centre.

Yes. Every listing on HomeSearch is verified by our team before it goes live. We confirm ownership, check the property condition, and validate the listed price against market rates. This is why we have fewer listings than general listing sites — we prioritise quality over quantity.

Both options are available. Most apartments in Thao Dien come fully furnished, especially in buildings like Masteri, The Vista, and Gateway. Villas and houses are more often semi-furnished or unfurnished. You can filter by furniture status on the properties page.

The standard deposit in Vietnam is 1–2 months' rent, paid upfront along with the first month's rent. So for a $1,000/month apartment, expect to pay $2,000–$3,000 at lease signing. The deposit is refundable at the end of your lease, minus any deductions for damage.

Our fee covers property search, viewings, lease negotiation, contract translation (English/Vietnamese), and move-in handover. The standard agency fee in Vietnam is one month's rent, typically paid by the tenant. We are transparent about fees upfront — no hidden charges.

Most leases in Thao Dien are quoted in USD but paid in VND at the current exchange rate. Some landlords accept direct USD payment. Bank transfer is the most common method. We can help you set up a Vietnamese bank account if you don't have one yet.

Typically no — utilities (electricity, water, internet, gas) are billed separately on top of rent. Management fees for apartment buildings are sometimes included, sometimes extra. Use our utility calculator to estimate your monthly utility costs based on property size and occupancy.

You'll need a valid passport with a current visa or residence card. Some landlords may also request an employment letter or proof of income. We handle the lease contract preparation and can provide an English translation. No work permit is required to rent — a tourist visa is sufficient.

Most leases include an early termination clause — typically requiring 1–2 months' notice and forfeiting part or all of your deposit. Some leases allow termination without penalty if you find a replacement tenant. We negotiate fair termination terms before you sign and can help find a replacement if needed.

Leases are typically bilingual (English and Vietnamese). The Vietnamese version is legally binding. We review both versions to ensure they match and that the terms are fair. Never sign a lease you don't fully understand — we'll explain every clause before you commit.

Yes, temporary residence registration is required within 30 days of moving in. Your landlord should help with this at the local ward office. If they don't, we can assist. You'll need your passport, visa, and the signed lease contract. The process is straightforward and typically takes one visit.

Use our utility calculator — it estimates electricity, water, internet, gas, and management fees based on your property size, occupancy, and AC usage. It uses official 2026 EVN electricity rates and HCMC water rates. For a typical 80m² apartment with 2 occupants, expect $100–$150/month in utilities.

Internet is usually already set up in apartment buildings — you just transfer the account to your name or activate a new plan. Viettel and VNPT are the main providers, offering 100–500 Mbps fibre plans for 180,000–800,000 VND/month. Installation typically takes 1–3 days. We can help arrange this before you move in.

Electricity in Vietnam uses a tiered pricing system — the more you use, the higher the per-kWh rate. As of 2026, residential rates range from 1,984 VND/kWh (first 50 kWh) to 3,460 VND/kWh (over 400 kWh), plus 10% VAT. AC is the biggest consumer. See the calculator for a detailed breakdown.

The management fee covers building maintenance, lifts, security, common area cleaning, and amenities (pool, gym). It's mandatory for apartments and typically charged per m² — around 8,000–15,000 VND/m²/month. For an 80m² apartment, that's roughly $25–$50/month. Some landlords include it in the rent; others bill it separately.