My uncle sold most of his inherited properties, leaving only 2 old apartments

I recently read a story about how a father owned 300 square meters of land worth VND50 billion (US$1.9 million) in downtown HCMC but refused to sell it. His family struggled financially up until his death, after which his son sold the properties to live happily.

Many readers commented on that story to defend the father, saying that children should not rely on their parents’ assets. But I wonder if their parents had sold all their land and spent it solely on themselves, would they not have objected?

From an economic standpoint, it is extremely difficult for younger generations to own property.

My grandfather left my eldest uncle a vast amount of land, several houses, and dozens of hectares of farmland. Over the years, my uncle gradually sold them off to build a house, get married, or buy things like a motorbike, a TV, or furniture. He also used the money to take my grandmother to the hospital, cover her funeral and memorial services, send my cousins to university, and even help them find jobs.

Now, after 50 years, all that is left are just two modest apartments in the city. Given my cousins' financial situations and incomes, their children will likely have to squeeze into those same old apartments when they grow up.

I used to resent my parents for not selling one of their houses to fund my studies abroad. Instead, they only allowed me to use the land title as collateral for a bank loan, forcing me to work hard to repay it myself. But looking back, I now inherit their entire fortune and can leave it for my children. My parents do not need financial support or care from me.

Apartments, nice houses, and new furniture are all just depreciating assets. Hard work can buy those things while real estate values are tied to circumstances and luck.

Many children nowadays get upset when their parents do not liquidate family assets to give them an inheritance, only to realize the value of those properties when their parents grow old and bedridden and their own children need money to study and start families.

*This opinion was translated into English with the assistance of AI. Readers’ views are personal and do not necessarily match VnExpress’ viewpoints.