The real land transfer price was VND1 billion in a transaction, but both parties wanted to evade taxes and agreed to record only VND450 million in the contract. When a dispute arose, the contract was declared void despite being notarized.

Lawyers say that even when notarization is no longer required, buyers should still verify ownership, the legal status of the property and the seller’s marital status, or seek assistance from a trusted lawyer or legal office.

Experts support a proposal to impose a 20 percent tax on the margin between purchase and sale prices of real estate per transaction, as well as a tax based on the holding period, deeming it fair, reasonable, and a deterrent to speculation.