Nhà Càng To, Hạnh Phúc Càng Lớn? | #Homentor SS02 EP03 | Văn Phú X Spiderum |

Key Concepts

• Shifting Definition of Success: The traditional notion of "nhà cao cửa rộng" (large house, wide doors) as a measure of success is evolving.
• Optimizing Living Space: Modern society prioritizes efficient and functional living spaces over excessive size.
• Focus on Well-being: Comfort, suitability, peace of mind, and happiness are becoming the paramount values in defining a good home.
• Community and Connection: The importance of living in a vibrant community with social connections is highlighted.
• Millennial Parenting: A shift in fatherhood roles among millennials, emphasizing active participation in childcare and household chores.
• Human-Centric Urban Development: Developers are increasingly focusing on creating sustainable, humane, and community-oriented urban spaces.
• Personalized Needs: Housing choices are becoming more individualized, catering to diverse life stages and preferences.

Evolution of Housing Preferences and the Concept of Home

Redefining Success and Living Spaces

The traditional Vietnamese concept of "nhà cao cửa rộng" (a large house with wide doors) was once a primary indicator of life success. However, this perspective is undergoing a significant transformation. The current trend favors smaller, more efficiently designed apartments, reflecting a societal shift towards optimizing living space rather than accumulating excess. This evolution is seen as a natural progression in developed societies, where the focus is on maximizing utility and minimizing waste. In the coming years, "nhà cao cửa rộng" is expected to be superseded by criteria such as comfort, suitability, peace of mind ("an," "yên"), and the overarching concept of happiness, which are considered more sustainable and enduring values for a balanced life.

The Choice Between Isolation and Community

The discussion begins with a hypothetical scenario: choosing between a luxurious, amenity-rich villa on a secluded island versus a more modest home within a vibrant urban community, surrounded by friends and family.

• Nhung's Perspective: As a woman, Nhung leans towards the second option, prioritizing proximity to family and friends. She emphasizes that a home should foster connection and provide a sense of safety and closeness to loved ones, rather than sheer size.
• Duc Bao's Perspective: Duc Bao suggests a nuanced approach. For the ultra-elite (0.001%), a secluded villa might be chosen for privacy. However, for the vast majority (99.99%), a complex offering a community with shared values of sustainable development, civilized living, and strong social connections—both within families and among neighbors across generations—is the preferred choice.

Personal Journeys: From Old Hanoi to Modern Living

Both guests share their personal journeys in adapting to evolving housing concepts.

• Duc Bao's Journey: Raised in Hanoi's Old Quarter for 30 years, Duc Bao experienced the close-knit, albeit cramped, lifestyle of traditional housing. He notes the limitations in space, privacy, and long-term development potential of such areas. Upon starting a family, he immediately sought an apartment, initially renting to test the lifestyle. He found apartments to be ideal for young families, offering privacy and convenient access to amenities, which significantly improved his quality of life.
• Nhung's Journey: Nhung also grew up in a multi-generational household, experiencing the inconveniences of shared spaces. Her family later moved to a new urban area, which was then considered a "new intellectual zone." She recounts the transformation of this area over 20 years, from undeveloped land to a bustling hub with numerous amenities. This experience provided her with a broader perspective on societal and urban development, highlighting how apartment living can offer not just personal convenience but also a reflection of societal progress. She notes the increasing convenience of modern apartments, such as direct car access for ride-sharing services, which significantly enhances daily life.

Defining "Just Enough" and Functional Space

The conversation delves into the concept of "just enough" space and the importance of functionality.

• Duc Bao on Space: Duc Bao shares that his first apartment was 80 sqm, which was sufficient for a couple. When planning for their first child, they opted for a 120 sqm apartment, calculating roughly 40 sqm per person. He stresses that the key is not just the size but the ability to utilize the space effectively through good design and consistent tidiness by all family members.
• Nhung on Market Trends: Nhung observes a growing trend of smaller apartment sizes (25-40 sqm) being offered by developers. This is attributed to several factors:
  • Changing Family Structures: Smaller family sizes are becoming more common.
  • Career Focus: Couples may delay having children to focus on their careers.
  • Affordability: Rising property prices make smaller units more accessible, reducing the overall cost of ownership.
  • Increased Consumer Savvy: Buyers are more informed and seek genuine value and solutions to their needs, especially post-COVID, when home living became more central.

The Shift Towards Smaller, Efficient Units

The discussion highlights that smaller apartment units are not merely a cost-cutting measure by developers but a response to evolving societal needs and market research. While new in Hanoi, these smaller units have been prevalent in Ho Chi Minh City and other regions for a long time, catering to diverse demographics, including young professionals and investors. This trend signifies a maturation of the real estate market, offering a wider range of products to meet varied customer profiles.

The "Island Villa" vs. "Urban Community" Debate Revisited

The initial hypothetical is revisited, with Duc Bao emphasizing that for most people, a community-based living environment is more desirable than isolated luxury. He contrasts this with his experience in Germany, where even older apartments rarely exceed 100 sqm, indicating a global trend towards optimized living spaces. This aligns with the idea of efficiency and avoiding unnecessary space.

The Psychological Trap of Over-Borrowing

A critical point is raised about the psychological trap of borrowing the maximum amount offered by developers, often leading to sacrifices in other areas of life, such as education, investment, or travel.

• Duc Bao's Caution: While acknowledging that stable income growth might justify such borrowing for some, he stresses the importance of considering macroeconomic factors like global interest rate hikes (e.g., by the Fed) and their impact on Vietnam. Reducing risk factors is crucial for achieving "an cư" (peaceful settlement), which is a prerequisite for "kiếm tiền" (earning money).

Family Life and Evolving Home Needs

The impact of having children on housing choices is explored.

• Duc Bao's Family: Duc Bao's family has a three-bedroom apartment: one master bedroom, one for his work and wardrobe (essential for his profession), and a third initially used as a guest room. Upon the arrival of their daughter, this third room was transformed into a nursery, a process he found exciting and fulfilling. He acknowledges the need for a safe, child-friendly environment, even if it means sacrificing some aesthetic perfection (e.g., baby-proofing, toys). He anticipates future changes as his daughter grows, requiring different spaces for play and social interaction. The family is considering a move within 3-5 years to better accommodate these evolving needs, focusing on spaces outside the apartment.
• Nhung's Perspective on Connection: For Nhung, the kitchen and dining area are paramount for fostering connection, acting as a "second living room" where intimate moments are shared. She advocates for open-plan designs that connect these spaces, allowing for easy supervision and interaction. She has designed her own apartment with an open-plan living, dining, and kitchen area, with bedrooms separated for privacy.

The Role of Developers in Fostering Community

The discussion shifts to the role of real estate developers in creating not just homes but also connected living environments.

• Van Phu's Vision: Nhung, representing Van Phu, explains the company's commitment to "human-centric" and sustainable urban development. This goes beyond individual apartment functionality to encompass community spaces, green areas, and amenities that promote resident well-being and social interaction. Van Phu aims to create environments where residents can connect with their families, neighbors, and the wider community.
• Vasta Thuy Nguyen Project: An example is the Vasta Thuy Nguyen project in Hai Phong, featuring a "light square" designed to be a central community gathering space. This project has already garnered support from surrounding residents, demonstrating the demand for such communal areas. The vision includes developing pedestrian streets and fostering a vibrant night economy. The goal is to create real estate products that offer both material and spiritual value, enriching the lives of residents and contributing positively to the local community.

Investor vs. Homeowner Perspectives

Duc Bao distinguishes between investing for profit and choosing a home for personal and family well-being. He emphasizes that for the latter, the developer's vision, track record, and commitment to long-term development and maintenance are crucial. The ability of a project to offer a comprehensive lifestyle, from daily routines to weekend activities, both within and outside the development, is a key consideration.

Partnership in Home Decisions

Duc Bao and his wife share a similar preference for convenience and efficiency, minimizing time spent on daily chores to maximize time for rest and personal growth. This alignment reduces conflicts in home selection.

Balancing Work and Family Life

Duc Bao reflects on the challenges of balancing a demanding career with family life, especially with a young child. He views balance not as a static state but as an ongoing process of striving. He acknowledges the sacrifices involved but emphasizes prioritizing family time, particularly during the child's formative years. He aims to be a diligent worker, a role model for his child, and a supportive family pillar, always placing family above all else.

Millennial Fatherhood: A New Paradigm

Duc Bao highlights the distinct approach of Millennial fathers compared to previous generations. Millennial fathers actively participate in all aspects of childcare, from changing diapers to feeding and playing with their children, viewing it as a source of joy and fulfillment rather than a chore. This contrasts with the perception of older generations where fathers might have seen their involvement as "helping out."

The Evolving Definition of "Home"

The concluding thoughts reiterate the shift away from "nhà cao cửa rộng" as the sole measure of success. The focus has moved inward, emphasizing personal happiness, fulfillment, and the creation of value for oneself, family, and community. The key criteria for a good home are now convenience, suitability, peace, and happiness, representing enduring values for a balanced and meaningful life. The conversation underscores that housing needs are dynamic and evolve with life stages, personal growth, and family dynamics.