A tapered-back house is a land plot or house where the rear section is narrower than the front facade, creating a gradually shrinking, non-square shape. The tapering ratio can be slight, only a few centimeters narrower, or more significant, causing the rear section to shrink noticeably compared to the front. Tapered-back houses often appear on plots located in small alleys, irregularly shaped land, or areas with long-standing spontaneous development.

Traditionally, feng shui beliefs consider tepered-back less favorable for wealth and fortune. However, many buyers today no longer see this as a major issue, especially when purchasing for rental purposes, small businesses, or short-term investment. With their lower prices, these homes can still generate good rental income or resale value.

As property prices continue rising sharply, many lots once considered “hard to sell,” including tapered-back ones, and irregular-shaped plots, have unexpectedly become appealing options. This trend contrasts with previous market slowdowns, when buyers strongly preferred standard, “beautiful” plots.

Duc, a real estate broker marketing a home in an alley in Ha Dong ward, said that because the property is narrowed at the back, the owner listed it at just over VND5 billion, significantly cheaper than comparable square lots nearby priced around VND6–8 billion.

Duc, a real estate broker marketing a home in an alley in Ha Dong ward, said that because the property is thop hau, the owner listed it at just over VND5 billion—significantly cheaper than comparable square lots nearby priced around VND6–8 billion.

Market surveys show that tapered-back houses are generally lower in price than similar properties in the same neighborhood. In Thanh Xuan ward, a 30 sqm alley lot with a rear narrower by about 20cm is listed at VND4.5 billion, equivalent to VND140–150 million per sqm, about 16–22 percent lower than the area’s general level of around VND180 million per sqm.

On Trung Kinh street, a corner lot with mild tapering, accessible to cars, currently vacant land, is offered at VND5.5–6 billion (110–120 million VND per sqm), roughly 20 percent cheaper than comparable properties.

In Hoang Mai district, a narrow-rear lot inside a small alley, with the rear just around 1m wide, is listed at VND3–3.4 billion (VND75–85 million per sqm), about 15 percent lower than the area’s common price of VND90–100 milliom per sqm.

According to Duc, buyers have become less strict about the tapered-back houses. Instead of chasing “perfect” lots that have been pushed to very high prices, buyers are increasingly prioritizing practical value and financial feasibility.

In terms of valuation, tapered-back houses are usually 15–30 percent cheaper than well-shaped lots in the same area. This gives a significant advantage to buyers with limited budgets or investors seeking higher profit margins.

Functionally, if the narrowing is not too severe, design adjustments can easily optimize usable space without affecting living quality.

Duc said tapered-back houses are a good choice when the price difference is meaningful. Location remains the most important factor determining property value. If a tapered-back house lies in an area with improving infrastructure, near future metro lines or upcoming commercial centers, its appreciation potential is still strong, sometimes comparable to standard-shaped lots.

For rental models, long-term leasing, homestays, or service businesses, tenants rarely care about the shape of the land. They care more about location and convenience. This helps tapered-back houses maintain stable rental yields.

On the other hand, buyers should be cautious if the tapering is too extreme, the alley is too narrow, or the price is not sufficiently lower than square lots.

Buyers should also note that liquidity for this type is generally slower than for standard lots. However, with rising housing prices and limited supply, the liquidity gap has narrowed.

“If the goal is to store value or rent out, many people are willing to accept tapered-back houses as long as the legal status is clean and the location still has potential,” Duc said.

Duy Anh