The Estella is the original Keppel Land development in An Phu — delivered in 2013-2014 as the first of the Estella family of projects. Four towers (1A, 1B, 2A, 2B) directly connected to Estella Place shopping mall, with the most established expat community in An Phu and significantly lower rents than its newer sister project Estella Heights.
Key facts: 4 towers (1A, 1B, 2A, 2B), ~720 total units, delivered 2013-2014 by Keppel Land + Tien Phuoc. 2BR $1,000-1,750 3BR $1,530-3,430. Direct Estella Place mall connection, walking distance to ISHCMC, 12-year established expat community.
Browse verified The Estella apartments for rent below — the value alternative to Estella Heights with the same location benefits at significantly lower rent.
The Estella was the project that established An Phu as a serious expat residential district. Developed jointly by Keppel Land (Singapore) and Tien Phuoc (local Vietnamese partner), and delivered in 2013-2014, The Estella was for several years the premier expat compound in An Phu — directly connected to Estella Place mall (the first mid-sized mall designed for D2 expat families).
The development comprises four towers labeled 1A, 1B, 2A, and 2B, totaling approximately 720 apartments. While its newer sister project Estella Heights (delivered 2017-2019) has captured most of the marketing attention since opening, The Estella retains a strong loyal tenant base of families and long-term expats who specifically value its direct mall integration, established community, and significantly lower rents.
Today, The Estella sits at an attractive market position: same location as Estella Heights, same mall access, same school proximity — but rents 20-30% cheaper. For value-conscious family expats, this combination is compelling.
The Estella shares An Phu’s strongest connectivity advantages:
The Estella’s direct interior mall walkway is unique — you can go from your apartment to Estella Place mall (supermarket, cinema, dining) without ever stepping outside. Estella Heights residents need a brief outdoor walk by comparison.
| Unit type | Floor area | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Studio | 50-65 m² | Limited supply, mainly Tower 1A/1B |
| 1BR | 65-85 m² | Spacious 1BR, larger living area |
| 2BR standard | 85-115 m² | Master ensuite + 2nd BR + 2 baths |
| 2BR premium | 115-140 m² | Corner units, dual aspect |
| 3BR standard | 110-145 m² | Three bedrooms + 2 baths |
| 3BR large | 145-180 m² | Three bedrooms + maid’s room |
Standard inclusions: built-in kitchen with basic European appliances, bathroom fixtures, AC in all rooms, hot water, washer-dryer. Original 2013-era finishes in unrenovated units; many landlords have refreshed units to near-modern standard. Ceiling heights typically 2.9-3.0m.
| Unit type | Monthly rent (USD) |
|---|---|
| 2BR | $1,000-1,750 |
| 3BR | $1,530-3,430 |
The Estella offers among the strongest value-per-m² in D2 family compounds. For renters comfortable with 2013-era unrenovated units, the savings versus Estella Heights are substantial ($400-700/month for equivalent 2BR).
The amenity menu is appropriately sized for a 2013-vintage development — functional but not as extensive as Estella Heights or Diamond Island. The killer amenity remains the direct Estella Place mall connection.
The Estella’s 12+ years of operation create real benefits that newer compounds can’t replicate:
For long-term expats prioritizing community continuity over brand-new finishes, The Estella offers something Estella Heights cannot match.
The Estella is ideal for:
The Estella is NOT ideal for:
| Factor | The Estella | Estella Heights | Lexington Residence |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year built | 2013-2014 | 2017-2019 | 2016 |
| Total units | ~720 | ~870 | ~1,100 |
| Mall integration | Direct (interior) | Adjacent (outdoor walk) | Walk to mall |
| Community age | 12+ years | 7+ years | 9+ years |
| Build quality | Singapore (Keppel) | Premium Singapore | Mid-luxury Novaland |
| Avg 2BR rent | $1,380 | $1,410 | $610 |
| Best for | Value + mall + community | Premium quality + school | Mid-budget family |
Towers 1A and 1B have closer direct mall access. Towers 2A and 2B have more orientation toward Sang Hanh Street. Quality is consistent — choose based on view and proximity preferences.
For 2+ year stays and budget-conscious families: unrenovated saves $300-500/month and is acceptable for established expats. For shorter stays or appearance-focused renters: pay the renovated premium.
Interior corridor connects The Estella’s ground floor directly to Estella Place mall. You can go from elevator to mall supermarket without stepping outdoors — particularly valuable during monsoon season.
Yes — most landlords accept cats and small-to-medium dogs with $150-300 deposit. Confirm before signing.
Estella Heights: newer (2017-2019), premium finishes, higher ceilings, $300-700/month more expensive. The Estella: older, mature community, direct mall walkway, more value. Both share school proximity and Keppel build quality.
Common areas are well-maintained by Keppel Land. Individual units vary based on landlord investment. Some 2013-vintage features (split AC units, older kitchen appliances) need updating in unrenovated apartments.
The Estella has strong rental turnover. Most layouts available within 1-2 weeks. Move-in 3-5 days after deposit.
The Estella is the smart value pick in An Phu’s premium family rental market. If you want Estella Heights’ location benefits (ISHCMC walking, mall integration, Keppel Land quality) but 20-30% lower rent — and you’re comfortable with 2013-era unrenovated or selectively-renovated units — The Estella delivers exceptional value.
Compared to alternatives: Estella Heights wins for newest finishes. Diamond Island wins for resort amenities. Lexington Residence wins for slightly newer mid-budget alternative. The Estella wins for “established + cheap + direct mall.”
VietnamRenty has direct relationships with The Estella landlords across all four towers. We help you navigate the renovated-vs-unrenovated decision based on your budget and lease length.
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"The Estella offers some of the most spacious units in Thao Dien. Our 2BR is 95 sqm, with full-size appliances and a real walk-in kitchen — almost impossible to find in newer buildings. The mature trees and gardens give it a quiet feel.
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"Moving with two kids in primary school, The Estella was the obvious choice — 8 minutes to ISHCMC, 12 minutes to BIS, and the kids have made friends with neighbours' kids in the pool every afternoon. The 3BR unit has genuine family-sized rooms which is rare in HCMC. The compound feel with multiple pools and playgrounds is something the kids talk about every day.
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"The building is showing its age in finishes but the trade-off is incredible value — I pay less per sqm here than friends in newer towers in the same area.
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