Law on financial support for social housing: Singapore’s experience and directions for application in Vietnam

Abstract: Legal regulations on social housing play a central role in implementing state social welfare policies, with financial support mechanisms determining their effectiveness. Although Vietnam’s 2023 Law on Housing and implementing documents introduced important reforms, practical implementation continues to reveal limitations in capital support, preferential credit, and tax incentives. This study analyzes Vietnam’s current legal framework for social housing finance and examines Singapore’s experience, particularly the Central Provident Fund mechanism. Based on this comparison, the study identifies gaps in Vietnam’s regulations and proposes solutions to establish more stable, accessible, and sustainable funding arrangements. The recommendations aim to improve preferential credit policies, diversify long-term financial resources, strengthen state support, and encourage private-sector participation in social housing development.