Serviced Apartments vs. Condominiums: What's the Difference?
When searching for a home in Ho Chi Minh City, the two options most often compared are "serviced apartments" and "condominiums." Both are popular rental choices, but they differ in services, facilities, management, and monthly costs.
Key features of each
Units come furnished and equipped, and some properties offer services such as cleaning and laundry. The whole building is managed by the owner or an operating company.
Each unit has its own individual owner, so furniture, appliances and rental terms vary. Many units are spacious, and many buildings offer rich shared facilities.
Services, facilities and contract terms compared
| Item | Serviced Apartment | Condominium |
|---|---|---|
| Furniture & appliances | Usually provided | Varies by unit |
| Housekeeping | Included in rent, or optional | Generally none (can be arranged separately) |
| Internet | Often included in rent | Usually a separate contract |
| Gym & pool | Fewer properties have them, mainly larger ones | Available in most large condominiums |
| Contract term | Some properties accept short-term contracts | Typically a 1-year contract |
| Management | Owner or operating company manages everything | Building management company and each unit's owner |
* Facilities and services vary by property.
Management and maintenance after move-in
Serviced apartments
For equipment problems, repairs and maintenance, the owner or operating company is usually the point of contact and deals directly with the resident.
Condominiums
Everyday maintenance, such as replacing light bulbs and regular air-conditioner cleaning (about once every six months), is often arranged and paid for by the resident.
For major equipment failures not caused by the resident, the response is decided in consultation with the owner. Foreign residents commonly ask a real estate agent to contact the management office and arrange repairers.
* Cost sharing and scope of support vary by contract.
Costs beyond rent and how to pay
For serviced apartments, the owner or operating company usually sends a monthly notice of rent and other charges, and residents typically pay everything together. For condominiums, rent is paid to the owner and other costs are paid to each billing party.
| Cost | Serviced Apartment | Condominium |
|---|---|---|
| Electricity | Guide: 4,000–4,500 VND/kWh. Billed and paid monthly through the owner. | Paid directly to the electricity company, e.g. via banking apps or convenience stores. |
| Water | Included in rent, or about 100,000–150,000 VND per person per month. If charged separately, paid to the owner together with rent. | Billed by the building management company together with management fees. Pay by bank transfer or in cash at the management office. |
| Management fee | Often included in rent. If charged separately, paid to the owner. | Usually separate from rent. Paid directly to the building management company. |
| Internet | Many properties offer it free of charge. | Separate contract with a provider. Roughly 300,000 VND per month as a guide. An agent can help with setup. |
| Parking | Motorbike parking is free in many properties. If charged, paid to the owner with rent. | Monthly fee paid to the building management company. Check car parking availability in advance. |
| Cleaning & laundry | Often included in rent, but sometimes charged separately. | Generally arranged and paid for separately. |
| Japanese TV services | Usually charged separately if used. | Usually charged separately if used. |
* Charges, billing methods and payment recipients vary by property and contract terms.
Why electricity can cost more in serviced apartments
One of the main reasons is that commercial electricity rates can be higher than residential rates.
In condominiums, the tiered residential tariff is often applied, and charges are calculated according to usage.
In serviced apartments, on the other hand, the owner or operating company generally holds one electricity contract for the whole building and bills each resident. If a commercial (business or service-use) rate applies, electricity costs tend to be higher.
| Monthly usage | Unit price (VND/kWh) |
|---|---|
| 0–50 kWh | 1,984 |
| 51–100 kWh | 2,050 |
| 101–200 kWh | 2,380 |
| 201–300 kWh | 2,998 |
| 301–400 kWh | 3,350 |
| 401 kWh and above | 3,460 |
* Reference unit prices, excluding tax. Actual bills use the tariff in effect at the time.
Which one suits you?
Recommended for those living in Vietnam for the first time, those on a solo work assignment, and anyone who wants to reduce household chores with services such as cleaning.
Recommended for long-term residents and families, and for those who value space and shared facilities and prefer to live at their own pace.
Both have their appeal, and the best choice depends on your budget, length of stay and lifestyle.
