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As waterfront land becomes increasingly limited in major cities, riverside developments continue to attract homebuyers and investors seeking living environments closer to nature and properties with potential for long-term value appreciation.

Located adjacent to the Thu Thiem New Urban Area, Gladia Heights is a residential project jointly developed by Keppel and Khang Dien. It forms part of a 60-hectare integrated township and occupies a site bordered by rivers on three sides.

Growing interest in riverside properties

According to Knight Frank’s The Wealth Report 2025, affluent buyers globally are placing greater emphasis on well-being, sustainability, and long-term value when purchasing real estate.

Waterfront properties are among the segments benefiting from this trend, as natural surroundings, open views, and access to outdoor spaces are often considered desirable features.

The limited supply of waterfront land may also support the long-term value of riverside properties compared with developments in areas where new supply can be added more readily.

Riverside properties attract buyers seeking open views and living environments closer to nature. Photo courtesy of the developer

In Ho Chi Minh City, established waterfront districts such as Phu My Hung, Thao Dien, Thu Thiem, and Thanh My Loi have continued to attract residential demand as infrastructure and urban development have expanded.

According to JLL, several luxury developments in Thu Thiem recorded secondary market prices of VND180-200 million (US$6,900-7,700) per square meter during 2025-2026, with some projects achieving higher price levels.

As the supply of development sites in Thu Thiem becomes increasingly constrained, neighboring locations along the city’s eastern corridor have attracted growing interest from developers and homebuyers.

Three-sided riverfront setting

In Vo Chi Cong Boulevard, Gladia Heights scheduled to launch in the third quarter of 2026, occupies a 1.26-hectare site within the 60-hectare township and is designed around three residential towers arranged in an open layout.

According to the developer, the design is intended to maximize the number of river-facing apartments while improving natural ventilation throughout the development.

Approximately 70% of the apartments have river views, while the remaining units overlook the swimming pool and landscaped internal areas.

Floor-to-ceiling windows are incorporated to increase natural light and provide views of the surrounding landscape.

Around 70% of apartments at Gladia Heights have river views. Photo courtesy of the developer

Part of a larger integrated township

Residents at the project will also have access to amenities within the surrounding integrated township.

The broader development includes nine hectares of landscaped open space, five themed parks, two kilometers of pedestrian walkways, and more than 60 amenities distributed across three levels.

Landscaped gardens, water features, recreational facilities, and community spaces are connected throughout the township.

Artist’s impression of Gladia Heights, part of a 60-hectare integrated township near Thu Thiem. Photo courtesy of the developer

The project is also expected to benefit from planned transport infrastructure in eastern Ho Chi Minh City.

Projects scheduled or under development during the 2026-2030 period include the expansion of Vo Chi Cong Boulevard to 12 lanes, the Cat Lai-Phu Huu Port Connector Road, upgrades to the My Thuy Interchange, and transit-oriented development associated with Metro Line 6 and the Thu Thiem-Long Thanh railway.

These projects are expected to improve connectivity between the area, other parts of Ho Chi Minh City, and the southern key economic region.