The Ultimate Expat’s Guide: Apartment, Penthouse, or House in Saigon—Which is Right for You?

It’s one of the first and biggest decisions you’ll make when moving to Ho Chi Minh City. As you scroll through listings, you’re faced with two very different visions of life in Saigon: the sleek, modern high-rise apartment with city views, or the spacious, private house with a garden and a pool.

But what if you didn’t have to choose between them?

Both traditional apartments and houses are fantastic options, but they offer vastly different lifestyles. To make things even more interesting, Saigon’s luxury real estate market offers a hybrid option that combines the best of both: the duplex and the penthouse.

As specialists in helping expats find their footing in Saigon, we’ve guided hundreds of newcomers through this exact decision. Here is our ultimate breakdown to help you choose with confidence.

The Case for Apartment Living: Convenience, Community & Views

For many expats, particularly young professionals, couples, and those new to the city, apartment living is the default choice for good reason. It’s a lifestyle built around ease and access.

Imagine waking up to a panoramic view of the Saigon River, hitting the building’s gym before work, and grabbing a coffee from the cafe downstairs. Your weekends are spent by the resort-style pool, and you never have to worry about security or fixing a leaky pipe. This is the promise of modern apartment life in districts like Binh Thanh and District 2.

An Apartment is Likely for You If:

• You Value Amenities: You want hassle-free access to a swimming pool, a high-quality gym, kids’ playgrounds, and BBQ areas without the personal upkeep.

• You Crave Community: Apartment buildings, especially popular ones like Vinhomes Central Park or The Estella, are social hubs. It’s easy to meet other expats and locals by the pool or in the elevator.

• Security is a Top Priority: With 24/7 security guards, keycard access, and reception staff, modern condos offer peace of mind.

• You Want a “Lock-Up-and-Go” Lifestyle: You can leave for a weekend trip without a second thought, knowing your home is secure.

Things to Consider:

• Space: Standard apartments offer less indoor and outdoor space than houses for a similar price.

• Pets: While more buildings are becoming pet-friendly, there can be restrictions on the size or number of pets.

The Case for House Living: Space, Privacy & Freedom

Renting a house or villa in Saigon appeals to a different expat dream. It’s the dream of a private sanctuary, a backyard for your kids and pets to play in, and the freedom to create a home that is truly your own.

This lifestyle is most common in the leafy, family-friendly areas of District 2 (Thao Dien, An Phu) and District 7. It’s about lazy Sunday barbecues by your own pool, quiet mornings in your private garden, and having enough space for a home office, a guest room, and a playroom.

A House is Likely for You If:

• You Have a Large Family: The extra bedrooms, multiple bathrooms, and safe outdoor space are invaluable for families with children.

• You Have Pets: A private, fenced-in yard is a game-changer for dog owners.

• Privacy is Your Ultimate Luxury: You prefer your own entrance, no shared walls, and the ability to live without seeing your neighbors every day.

• You Love to Entertain: Having a large living area, a private garden, and a pool makes you the perfect host.

Things to Consider:

• Maintenance: You (or your landlord, depending on the lease) are responsible for everything. Pool cleaning, gardening, pest control, and general repairs are all on you.

• Security: While many houses are in secure compounds, a standalone house requires more personal vigilance.

• Higher Utility Costs: Air conditioning a large, multi-story house and running a pool pump will result in significantly higher electricity bills.

The Best of Both Worlds: The Penthouse & Duplex

What if you want the space and privacy of a house combined with the security and amenities of a luxury apartment building? Welcome to the world of penthouses and duplexes.

These are the crown jewels of Saigon’s apartment buildings. A duplex is a two-story apartment, offering a clear separation between living and sleeping areas, much like a house. A penthouse is a luxury unit on the top floor(s), often featuring premium finishes, expansive terraces, and sometimes even private rooftop pools.

A Penthouse or Duplex is Perfect for You If:

• You Refuse to Compromise: You want it all—the space of a house, the views from a skyscraper, and the five-star amenities of a luxury building.

• “Wow Factor” Matters: These properties are designed to impress, with double-height ceilings, floor-to-ceiling windows, and the best views in the city.

• You Want House-Like Space with Apartment-Level Maintenance: You get multiple floors and sprawling terraces without ever having to worry about gardening or cleaning a pool yourself. Building management handles everything.

• You Entertain at a High Level: A stunning rooftop terrace with a private bar or pool is the ultimate venue for hosting unforgettable gatherings.

Things to Consider:

• The Price Tag: As you’d expect, these are the most premium and expensive rental properties on the market.

• Availability: They are rare and highly sought after. Finding the right one often requires insider knowledge and quick action.

Head-to-Head Comparison: Apartment vs. Penthouse vs. House

The Final Verdict: Define Your Priorities

Choosing your Saigon home is a defining part of your expat journey. By understanding the unique benefits of each property type, you can align your choice with your personal priorities.

• Choose an Apartment for convenience, community, and a hassle-free modern lifestyle.

• Choose a House for maximum space, ultimate privacy, and a family-focused sanctuary.

• Choose a Penthouse or Duplex if you want the space of a house with the views, security, and effortless luxury of a five-star apartment building.

Feeling clearer about what you need? The next step is exploring what’s available. Whether you’ve decided on a sleek apartment, a spacious villa, or a stunning penthouse, our team is here to help you find it.

We listen to your needs and curate a list of properties that match your lifestyle—and our service is always free for renters.