THE ADDRESS Magazine No.17 | Page 292

prices are generally lower than in other major Southeast Asia holiday destinations. “For second home residences,” says Mauro Gasparotti, an executive director for Alternaty, a Ho Chi Minh City-based property and hospitality consultancy, “Vietnam offers beachfront property that would be very expensive anywhere else.” “Vietnam still gives investors the possibility to buy a condominium unit or landed house in locations that are very close to the central business district for accessible prices,” adds Mr. Gasparotti. Moreover, since Vietnam’s two main cities, Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi, are growing rapidly and are expected to receive influxes of investment over the coming years, the value of residential units and land is expected to grow over the medium- and long term. Adding to Vietnam’s value as a property destination is the growing number of 292 tourists. While the numbers are smaller than neighbouring Thailand, there were 7,572,352 international arrivals in 2013, 10.6% more than the numbers in 2012, according to the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism. With the influx of tourists, more accommodation and better conveniences for expats visiting and living in Vietnam can be ex