Empire City or Diamond Island – Which riverside real estate is attracting customers?

Overview Comparison of Two Projects

Empire City

Project Empire City, also known as the Observation Tower Complex, is located in Functional Area 2b of the Thu Thiem Urban Area (Thu Duc City) and overlooks the Saigon River with adjacent park frontage. Recognized as one of Saigon’s most prestigious high-end residential developments, Empire City attracts considerable interest from affluent buyers and investors seeking rental returns. The project spans 15 hectares with a total investment capital of USD 1.2 billion.

Empire City is developed by Imperial City Joint Venture Company Limited, a partnership between domestic investors—the alliance of Tien Phuoc, Tran Thai, and Keppel Land—and international partner Denver Power (UK), a member of the Gaw Capital Partners financial group.

Diamond Island

As the only alluvial island in District 2, Diamond Island is surrounded by three waterways: the Saigon River, Giong Ong To River, and a tributary. The development allocates 85% of its area to lush green spaces and 15% to residential towers, featuring six luxury tower clusters named after renowned islands worldwide: Maldives, Hawai, Canary, Bora Bora, Brilliant, and Bahamas.

Diamond Island is developed by Binh Thien An company, operating under Kusto Home (Kusto Group). The project encompasses 8 hectares with 1,275 residential units, plus premium amenities including podium shops, penthouses, and duplexes.

Pricing: Empire City and Diamond Island

Based on 2023 market data, SaiGon Luxury has found that Diamond Island apartment prices are moderately lower than those of Empire City.

Please refer to the price comparison table below:

  • Empire City
Unit Type / BedroomsAreaPrice
1-Bedroom Apartment64 m²From 6.8B – 7.5B VND (including VAT and taxes)
2-Bedroom Apartment94 – 100 m²From 9.7B – 10.7B VND
3-Bedroom Apartment127 – 155 m²From 20B – 23B VND
4-Bedroom Apartment191 – 249 m²From 45B – 65B VND
Penthouse220 – 450 m²From 70B – 230B VND
  • Diamond Island
Apartment Type / BedroomsAreaPrice
1-Bedroom Apartment50 m² – 83 m²From 3.7 billion – 4.5 billion VND
2-Bedroom Apartment65 m² – 125 m²From 4.8 billion – 13 billion VND
3-Bedroom Apartment125 m² – 177 m²From 10 billion – 28 billion VND
4-Bedroom Apartment145 m² – 234 m²From 13.5 billion – 32 billion VND
Penthouse300 m² – 1,000 m²From 99 billion – 150 billion VND

Rental Prices for Empire City and Diamond Island

  • Empire City
Apartment Type / BedroomsAreaRental Price
1-Bedroom Apartment64 m²19–26 million VND/month
2-Bedroom Apartment94–100 m²23–40 million VND/month
3-Bedroom Apartment127–155 m²42–70 million VND/month
4-Bedroom Apartment191–249 m²90–177 million VND/month
Penthouse220–450 m²From $12,000 USD/month

  • Diamond Island
Apartment Type / BedroomsAreaMonthly Rental Price
1 Bedroom50m² – 83m²15 million – 18 million VND/month
2 Bedrooms65m² – 125m²20 million – 26 million VND/month
3 Bedrooms125m² – 177m²35 million – 50 million VND/month
4 Bedrooms145m² – 234m²60 million – 90 million VND/month
Penthouse300m² – 1,000m²From $10,000 USD/month

Riverside Location Analysis: Empire City and Diamond Island

According to SaiGon Luxury’s research, Diamond Island offers a significantly superior riverside location compared to Empire City. Specifically, Diamond Island residents enjoy direct riverfront access with unobstructed views of the Saigon River from their apartments. The riverside jogging track and marina are just steps away from the residential lobby. In contrast, Empire City residents must travel approximately 100 meters to reach the riverside amenities.

Aerial view of Empire City with limited riverfront exposure

A significant advantage of Diamond Island’s riverside position compared to Empire City is the width of its river frontage. Diamond Island offers over 500 meters of river width, whereas Empire City provides only 300 meters. A wider river frontage delivers multiple benefits: enhanced natural ventilation, more expansive views, and increased property value. Diamond Island’s distinctive three-sided river orientation inspired its name and creates an island-like setting. Residents enjoy a comprehensive lifestyle with world-class amenities and superior quality of living.

khu căn hộ Đảo Kim Cương
Diamond Island Residences Surrounded by Rivers

Connectivity Analysis: Empire City vs. Diamond Island

According to SaiGon Luxury’s research, both Empire City and Diamond Island offer comparable connectivity to surrounding areas. Empire City holds a slight advantage in overall accessibility; however, Diamond Island presents exceptional value with pricing approximately 50% lower than Empire City while maintaining similar location advantages.

For proximity to District 1’s center, Empire City residents enjoy a five-minute commute via the Thu Thiem tunnel, while Diamond Island residents require approximately twice that time. Conversely, Diamond Island offers a vibrant lifestyle within its immediate vicinity. The Thanh My Loi area features an excellent selection of dining establishments, restaurants, cafes, and social venues to serve residents’ needs.

Landscape and Living Environment: Comparative Analysis of Empire City and Diamond Island

Both developments feature comprehensive, premium amenities including children’s play areas, BBQ gardens, jogging parks, swimming pools, and more.

Recognizing that investors prioritize both quality of life and wellness, Diamond Island features four of Saigon’s largest electrolytic mineral salt swimming pools, spanning 2,300m². Few luxury residential projects have sufficient land to accommodate such expansive aquatic facilities. Additionally, the island is abundantly landscaped with mature trees, and its riverside location ensures a naturally cool environment even during the summer months. Diamond Island therefore offers an exceptional setting for an elevated lifestyle and family living.

Landscape & Amenities at Empire City

Landscape & Facilities at Diamond Island

Hình ảnh tại khu căn hộ Diamond Island (Đảo Kim Cương)
Images from Diamond Island apartment complex.

Based on the analysis above, SaiGon Luxury recommends Diamond Island as an excellent alternative for clients seeking Empire City but with budget constraints. Additionally, SaiGon Luxury currently maintains an exclusive portfolio of premium apartments at the best prices in the project, with immediate occupancy and convenient viewing available.

  • 1-bedroom apartment, southeast-facing, 4.5 billion VND including taxes and fees, exterior view, high floor.
  • 2-bedroom apartment, river view, 125 m², pink book, 13 billion VND including taxes and fees.
  • 3-bedroom apartment, Diamond Island pool view, 117 m², 11 billion VND including taxes and fees.
  • 4-bedroom apartment, Saigon River and Landmark 81 view, 143 m², 11 billion VND including taxes and fees.

And additional apartments available.

Learn more on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/88upXHMLqWI

For detailed project information, please contact our hotline: 0918 195 449 (Ms. Yen Nhi)

THE SAIGON LUXURY JOURNAL

June 12, 2023

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