CHANGING OFFICE LEASING PREFERENCES: A NEW RACE DEFINED BY QUALITY, AMENITIES, AND LOCATION

Project News

2025.12.16

Market Overview: Rising supply, higher tenant expectations  

Between 2024 and 2026, Hanoi’s office supply is set to expand steadily, with a strong concentration in Grade A and Grade B segments. According to Savills’ Q3/2025 Office Market Report, a notable shift has been observed toward the western corridor and non-CBD areas—locations that benefit from larger land banks, integrated infrastructure, and long-term development potential. This expansion is intensifying competition across the market.  

With a broader range of options available, tenants are not only becoming more selective in their leasing decisions but also raising their standards for office space. This clearly reflects a change in leasing “preferences”: offices are no longer assessed solely by location, but increasingly by building quality, workplace environment, and their ability to support long-term brand positioning.  

Key trends shaping office leasing decisions  

Based on Savills’ market observations, three major trends are influencing office leasing demand in Hanoi during 2025–2026.     

Firstly, The rise of extended CBDs  

Alongside the traditional  CBD (Central Business District), Hanoi is witnessing the clear formation of extended CBD areas in the western and eastern parts of the city (Government Electronic Newspaper, 2025). In particular, the Vo Chi Cong – Pham Van Dong – Ring Road corridor, which provides fast connections between the city centre, the airport and industrial zones, offers specific advantages for businesses engaged in international trade, logistics and those serving foreign clients.  

According to Savills News (November 2025), the “flight to quality” trend - referring to a shift towards higher-quality office products - shows that businesses are willing to move away from older central districts if newer areas offer better office buildings, more complete amenities and a superior working environment.  

Tay Ho Tay is currently among the areas benefiting most from this trend, supported by its integrated planning, high green coverage and a rapidly growing international residential community. Businesses are increasingly prioritizing locations that offer long-term expansion potential, convenient connectivity, and an environment aligned with the working culture of younger generations of employees.      

Secondly, The race for amenities and employee experience  

Workplaces are shifting from merely being “functional office” into a “holistic workplace experience” that supports corporate culture and employee performance. Savills has recorded rising demand for features such as natural light, greenery, breakout areas, communal spaces, and a wider range of meeting facilities.  

Mr. Troy Griffiths, Deputy Managing Director of Savills Vietnam:    “Tenants are prioritizing buildings that can better support productivity, sustainability goals, and long-term human capital strategies.”  

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A signature office design guided by a philosophy centered on green and open spaces  

This shift has turned amenities into a new competitive advantage for Grade A office buildings. Projects that offer integrated spaces - such as café lounges, community areas, and employee wellness facilities - are often prioritised, even when rental rates are slightly above the market average.  

Thirdly, Leasing preferences differ by tenant group  

Savills forecasts that technology, manufacturing, and financial services will continue to drive office leasing demand in Hanoi throughout 2025. These tenant groups typically have high requirements for building quality, green standards, and international-grade property management.  

  • FDI enterprises & multinational corporations: prioritize green certifications (LEED), smart building systems, and international management standards.  
  • Technology & fintech firms: seek high flexibility, hybrid-ready layouts, and scalable space aligned with business growth cycles.  
  • Mid-sized Vietnamese companies: look for a balance between professional image, comprehensive amenities, and competitive rental levels.  

Within this context, Oriental Square in Tay Ho Tay is regarded as a representative development capable of meeting multiple layers of tenant demand. Located along the Vo Chi Cong – Pham Van Dong axis, the project enjoys strong connectivity between the city center, the airport, and the growing international community in western Hanoi.  

Oriental Square is designed to achieve LEED Gold certification, incorporating energy-efficient solutions, daylight-optimized design, and flexible floor plates suitable for hybrid working models. Its integrated amenities include landscaped green spaces, lounge and café areas, a business community zone, smart parking, and international-standard security—features increasingly prioritized by modern tenants.