Nearly 400 overseas Vietnamese were surveyed at a meeting held with officials from the HCM City People's Committee, HCM City Real Estate Association and lawyers last week in HCM City.

At the meeting, Nguyen Thanh Tai, deputy chairman of the City People's Committee, said the State acknowledged the contributions of overseas Vietnamese by issuing policies such as the Nationality Law, visa exemption and home ownership.

No guiding circulars from the Ministry of Construction, however, have been issued on the laws.

Tai added the city would soon make proposals on helping overseas Vietnamese own houses in the country.

Do Thi Loan, general secretary of the HCM City Real Estate Association, said the property market had become more attractive because of improved infrastructure.

To assist overseas Vietnamese, Novaland Corporation has worked with lawyers to set up consultant services through hotlines in the US, Australia and Europe.

Lawyer Truong Thi Hoa said Vietnamse law allows overseas Vietnamese with Vietnamese Nationality to own more than one house in the country.

They also can donate, sell, rent or use it as a mortgage.

Hoa said the Government was considering amending Decree No 90 to allow overseas Vietnamese to buy plots of land.

Overseas Vietnamese staying in Viet Nam three months or more will have a right to buy houses if approved by local authorities.

Hoa also said the overseas Vietnamese felt worried about the legal procedures when buying houses in Viet Nam. Therefore, she advises them to consider and have a right selection.