Vientiane:Authorities in Vientiane are set to update official land appraisal prices to more accurately reflect current market values, a move aimed at preventing state revenue losses. This development was outlined in a report presented to the Vientiane People’s Council on September 23, 2026.
According to Lao News Agency, the report was delivered by the Vientiane Department of Agriculture and Environment during a session led by Mr. Nakhasene Sihalath, Vice President of the Vientiane People’s Council. The session examined the application of land appraisal prices across Vientiane Capital’s nine districts.
The existing appraisal framework, established in 2021 by Decision No. 142/VDP of the Vientiane Mayor’s Office, was intended to standardize calculations for land-related fees and taxes. However, rapid urban growth, residential development, and infrastructure projects have driven up land values, rendering some official appraisals outdated compared to market conditions.
Challenges identified in the report include inconsistencies in how districts apply official appraisal prices and reliance on other legal provisions for certain transactions, potentially affecting state revenue collection. Furthermore, the 2021 decision did not set unit rates for valuing buildings, forcing officials to use older regulations in some cases.
The report also highlighted that official land appraisal prices are used mainly for calculating land-use right transfer fees and income taxes, not for determining compensation for land impacted by development projects. Significant discrepancies in compensation values require a separate committee’s approval by the Vientiane People’s Council.
Authorities are considering options for revising land appraisal prices, such as setting them at 10-30% of current market values or increasing baseline prices by 10-30%, considering economic conditions and infrastructure development.
Efforts are also underway to modernize the land valuation system by developing standardized guidelines and using online platforms to enhance public access to land valuation regulations and pricing information. The planned revisions aim to increase transparency and consistency in land valuation while improving land-related revenue collection.
