Many statistics show that housing prices in Vietnam today are unaffordable given people’s average income, especially compared to five to ten years ago. This means that young people’s earnings have not kept up with rising home prices, making it harder for them to buy property than previous generations.

As a result, many young people today prefer to spend on themselves, avoid marriage, and not have children. Simply put, no matter how hard they try, buying a home is out of reach. Instead of saving for a lifetime, they choose to spend on personal fulfillment.

I am no longer young and have the finances to buy a home. However, I decided against it because there are better investment options than real estate.

Rather than dedicating my entire life to paying for a house, I would rather use my money for investments and enjoy life by taking my family out to eat and travel.

If buying a home means sacrificing my youth, I do not think it is worth it. Imagine working day and night just to repay a mortgage, struggling for years, and lowering my standard of living. That alone makes me lose motivation to have children.

Furthermore, if I lose my job, fall ill, or face financial trouble, I could end up having the bank repossess my house, meaning all my efforts would have been for naught.

To me, wealth comes in many forms, not just a home. Renting while investing in gold or stocks might generate better returns. So far, I have never regretted this decision. I live comfortably, and my income is more than enough to cover my rent.

Ultimately, I believe the government should introduce support policies to help young families afford homes. Newlyweds or parents with young children should receive tax breaks or preferential mortgage rates. This would encourage them to have more children.

Right now, birth rates are declining because people work their whole lives without being able to afford a home. We can all foresee the consequences. A shrinking population, a declining workforce, and an aging society. If no action is taken, these issues will only become more severe, bringing even greater economic challenges.

*This opinion was translated into English with the assistance of AI. Readers’ views are personal and do not necessarily match Read’ viewpoints.