Vietnam's Marriage Dilemma: Living Apart Due to Housing Shortages

In Vietnam, a growing number of newlyweds are opting to live separately after their wedding ceremonies, a trend driven by soaring property prices and lengthy waits for public housing. This practical response to economic pressures is reshaping traditional marriage norms. For many young Vietnamese couples, marriage signifies the beginning of a new household, but it also presents a significant financial hurdle, particularly in securing housing. Property prices, especially in urban centers, have escalated beyond the reach of many. Government-provided public housing, akin to Singapore's Build-to-Order (BTO) flats, faces long waiting periods, often averaging three to four years from application to completion. To manage these challenges, some couples strategically schedule their weddings to align with their housing completion dates. Marrying first allows them to lock in current property prices while deferring the substantial costs associated with renovations and independent living. This approach helps stagger expenses and allows for more realistic financial planning. Jasmine Lim, 29, and Leslie Lee, 31, who married in 2023, are living in their respective family homes until their public apartment, scheduled for completion in May 2025, is ready. "We wanted to stagger our wedding and renovation expenses. Renting a flat together wasn’t an option due to the significant cost," Lim told Channel News Asia. Similarly, Kelvin Siew, 32, and his fiancée Denise Yeo, 30, set to marry in October, plan to alternate between their parents' homes until their public flat is completed at the end of 2027. "A wedding is already a big financial and emotional event. Renovation will be another big thing. So having some breathing space between the two actually feels helpful," Siew commented. While this arrangement deviates from traditional marriage customs, it reflects an adaptation to Vietnam's current economic realities. However, persistent housing issues may also lead couples to postpone having children and starting a family, contributing to the declining total fertility rate in Vietnam. Experts note that housing, finances, and future family plans often become major sources of stress for young couples. Nevertheless, some view living apart not as a sign of weaker commitment, but as a pragmatic approach to navigating these challenges. "It's not just about the physical house. It's also about making commitments in every aspect of life, learning to become a family and starting to make decisions together," Siew stated, embracing the meaningful journey ahead. Source: VnExpress International