Residential Locations
Midlevels
Midlevels is the area above Central and looks down on the main business
district. The view from some apartments at night is absolutely stunning and you
can understand why people jockey to live there.
If you are in the right area you can be close to what is called the Midlevels Escalator. This is an escalator that in the morning it takes you down to the main business district and around midday it changes to up mode for the rest of the day. Many people never need to take a car, bus or taxi to work - the escalator is their main mode of transport.
Midlevels being as it is over populated and crowded also means that some accommodation is smaller than say at the back of the island and popular buildings mean high rents. Some buildings offer fabulous facilities from pools to gyms, from cafes to tenant outings. Everything comes at a price. And a lot of these buildings offer shuttle service into town. There are supermarkets in the area and schools so everything is very well thought out.
The area is also close to eating districts such a So Ho or Lang Kwai Fong and many couples or singles choose Midlevels as their preferred choice of residents. However there are many families in the area, especially apartment complexes that offer facilities that draw families to the area. Many schools have bus services to this area.
Happy Valley
This area is near the racecourse and to the east of Central. It is
predominantly owner occupied but there are many apartments for rent. Due to
building height restrictions in Happy Valley you will find low-rise
accommodation in this area.
Happy Valley is a village and as such offers you many things from supermarkets to shoe repair, from pharmacy to veterinary clinics. The area is currently booming in cafes and bars. During Race season the police change some thoroughfares and some delays are incurred but this is extremely well executed and maintained.
Benefits of Happy Valley are that you will
find everything you need in the district there are many schools close by and
private hospitals. The one disadvantage is that many buildings do not offer
full facilities but the Urban Council does offer some facilities including
squash and tennis courts.
Jardine's
Lookout and Tai Hang Rd
This area lies just above Happy Valley, there are many town houses in this area
and apartments, only a few have facilities. There is a supermarket and post
office and some specialty shops including medical practices in the general
vicinity. Though the townhouses don't offer many facilities you may have access
to something called the residents association - you need to ask your agent
about this.
Tai Hang Road itself is a direct lead into Causeway Bay, which is a large shopping area and business center. There are again many older apartments in this area and apart from High rise buildings also many low rise apartments i.e. apartment blocks not higher than 10 floors.
Mini bus and general bus lines service this area and the French International School is located in this area.
The Peak
Top of the mountain and with those fabulous views of Hong Kong Harbour.
Traditionally this area was set aside for senior Government Officials, but nowadays
many good ex-government apartments are available to rent. There are also
townhouses and smaller apartments.
Location wise the area is close to central and serviced by shopping areas at the Peak itself, restaurants, supermarkets and the private Matilda hospital. There is a lot going for the area but it is worth noting that humidity tends to be high here and visibility of the city is sometimes limited especially in spring due to the mountain mist. You will need to invest in a dehumidifier if you choose this area and a car would be helpful though many minibuses service the area. One favorable note is that in summer it is cooler at the Peak.
There are many private schools up in this area. Your friends will love to visit as you are in a prime tourist spot.
Pokfulum
It is said that the air is cleaner here at the back of the island and many
people say it reminds them of home. It is located at the West Side of the
island.
Here it is possible to rent an apartment in a high rise or an ex-government apartment which often tend to be larger in size. There are also some townhouses in this area. Complexes include all facilities and rents tend to be lower than other residential areas however still very convenient to the central district.
Schools, hospitals and supermarkets are all offered in this area including a large fresh produce and fish market. You are not far from Aberdeen where there are many specialty shops and furniture stores.
Repulse
Bay
A very popular spot for expatriates and a little further out from the center of
town. There are many high-rise apartments and townhouses in this area. The
beach is at your door and the boardwalk is a lovely place to stroll on a hot
evening.
Schools and shops in the area are plentiful and there are some restaurants and specialty shops.
If you still want to be close to town but enjoy a quieter life at weekends this is a place to put on your list of possible locations. It is a popular area and as such demands good rental returns.
Shouson Hill
Here you will find the property market consisting mostly of low-rise apartments
and town houses. A very popular spot for expatriates as well. Close to the
Aberdeen Tunnel and right in the center of the Island. This is a very central
spot of the island.
2001 saw a new shopping center service the district and there are buses into central. It might be wise to consider a car if living here. A few schools close by. Here you might be able to even find an apartment with a garden or live in an exclusive townhouse.
Stanley and
Chung Hom Kok
Many people love the back of the Island the air seems cooler and cleaner and if
you love to shop, here is a great area with Stanley Market at your doorstep and
the new plaza shopping center. One of the largest supermarkets geared towards
expatriates in the Island is here.
Accommodation varies from low-rises to luxury townhouses and it is thought to be the most populated area at the south of the Island. However you have beaches and a holiday ambiance to the area. There are now many trendy eateries and bars. You may care to visit this area even if you are not considering this area.
Hong Kong International School's middle and high school are close by. Many children from downtown bus to these schools and many workers take the bus each morning into town.
Tai Tam
Tai Tam is not far from Stanley and there is a whole complex of high and low rise apartments and townhouses out there.
This is a complete community within itself and no doubt if you lived out here you may not even have to consider coming in to town very often. You might find the townhouses reasonable in rent and good value for money compared to an apartment in downtown. Certainly out here there is a community based atmosphere and much the same as a new townhouse development in your home country.
Shuttle buses and buses service the area. You may consider having a car of your own but it is not necessary and given Stanley is close by you have many of the services offered there. From here you have an alternate route to North Point should you be working in this area.
Clearwater
Bay and Sai Kung
There are many houses and townhouses in these areas and at a much more
reasonable rent than on Hong Kong Island.
The area is popular by expatriate standards and well catered for however, if your office is in the Central Business District of the Island chances are you are going to take longer to get to work and may be a consideration in the warmer months. It might also prove prudent to have your own transport if living in this area.
Many people who have lived in Hong Kong for a length of time consider moving here especially if they have small children.
There are schools in the area, golf and country club, and wonderful sea breezes. Shops are plentiful and supermarkets cater for expatriates.
Hong Lok Yuen
This is a relatively new area and will remind you of the suburbs of home. Once
again this is further out than say living on Hong Kong Island and owning a car
is recommended should you consider this area.
You will no doubt get more for your dollar if you look in this area and will most likely be able to rent a house with garden, lock up garage, perhaps a pool and club facilities.
There are plenty of shops and services in the area and schools are close by offering the British system.
Discovery Bay
If you are looking for something quieter, family oriented and relaxed this is a
great area to consider. Cars are not used for private use on the Island. Some
people own golf carts and they can cost a lot to purchase and sometimes come
with an apartment.
Naturally, you can expect that this place is very compact, clean and quiet. Most shops, restaurants and facilitates are in walking distance. Should you decide to live here, you will be close to Chep Lap Kok airport and a tunnel has been constructed for access to the airport.
There are many fine facilities out there ranging from all types of sporting facilities but you may be particular interested in this location if you own a boat as there is a Marina. One of the finest golf courses in Hong Kong is on the island.
There is a regular ferry service to the island you may wish to consider your commute time and weather issues if you decide to look at this area.
There is a school on the island however many children attend schools on Hong Kong island.
Lamma
Island
This is an island many expatriates will visit for seafood restaurants but
nowadays is also consider a good place to live as an expatriate, especially
with children. There are no vehicles on
the island except for the small village vehicles which number approximately 10
for collection of goods for the stores.
There are fresh grocery stores and frozen meat shops. Lamma now boasts a full delicatessen with a
variety of restaurants catering to all tastes.
There is a government clinic on the island where the nurses and doctors all speak English. If there is an emergency the patient is taken to Queen Mary Hospital by either ferry, police launch or helicopter.
Your rents are considerably much lower your lifestyle more relaxed and quieter. You will find flat roofed Spanish style homes out at Lamma and many have a roof garden. All sorts of shops and small business, supermarkets service the island.
There is a local government school, therefore no fees, which also invites expatriate children. The classes are primarily in Chinese, but with obvious extra assistance given to non-local children. Many expatriates do send their children to this school and encourage them to learn Cantonese.
It is a 25-minute ferry trip to central which runs every 10-15 minutes during the rush hour, but if you are looking for a different lifestyle one you might care to consider. Many of the expatriate and local children go to school on Hong Kong Island. They are collected by school bus in the morning and dropped off in the afternoon.
Once settled in your temporary accommodation, your home hunting can begin. The area you choose to live in needs careful consideration, as everyone’s situation is different. Decisions on who will do the major traveling may need to be taken into account. When deciding where to live consider the following: distance to workplace, distance to schools and recreational facilities, accessibility to shops and services, accessibility to public transport.
It is wise not to draw comparisons with other housing experiences you may have had in other parts of the world. There are many choices available to you so don’t rush into this.
Houses and housing estates
One of your options is to live in a house. This involves maintenance and garden upkeep and in most cases the necessity for live-in staff. Few houses have swimming pools and although comfortable houses in tropical gardens do exist, they are expensive and difficult to find. Some houses and townhouses are in compounds and many have communal swimming pools.
Apartments and Condominiums
Many foreigners choose to settle for an apartment. Advantages of apartment dwelling include better maintenance, security and facilities. For families, the advantage of having other children on the premises to play and travel to school with, saves having to brave the after-school traffic to meet friends. For single adults, apartments offer many advantages and provide a wide range of facilities to suit lifestyles.
Condominiums offer the same level of service as apartments. You need to be aware a condominium implies individual ownership so the interior facility and decoration can vary considerably within the building. Issues may also arise around responsibility for maintenance and upgrading. Take particular care with contracts.
Townhouses
Town houses are often very expensive in Hong Kong unless they are located in the New Territories and the new satellite towns. They offer excellent use of space and offer more privacy, as they are usually located away from Hong Kong Island and major building developments.
Location should be the top priority in making your decision. So keep in mind proximity to office, schools and services.
Take note of the accessibility to expressways with nearby exit and entrance roads, as well as sky train stations. A property, which may seem attractive on a weekend, should be seen again during the week or vice versa to assess traffic volume, etc.
Do not hesitate to request improvements such repainting, or repairs, and ensure that these works are completed before you move in.
The usual lease is for one year, the rent payable one month in advance. There may also be a two or three month deposit. If possible, attempt to have a termination clause (known as a diplomatic clause) in your lease agreement, in case of unexpected moves overseas. This allows early termination of a lease provided that at least two months written notice is given.
Housing in Hong Kong
Housing:
Mid Levels and South Side of Hong Kong Island are the traditional enclaves for expatriate living. Both these areas offer excellent facilities such as shops, transportation and easy commuting time to the Central district for work. However there are many housing complexes in the New Territories which offer the same excellent amenities and a cheaper alternative to city living.
Issues to consider when looking for a
home include:
• Rental cost vs. housing allowance (don't forget government rates and management fees!)
• Home specifications – furnished vs. unfurnished, number of bedrooms, etc.
• Modern high rises with recreational facilities but smaller rooms vs. older low-rises with larger rooms but less facility
• Access to schools, shopping and other amenities, although this is to a lesser extent due to the limited preferred residential areas and excellent public transport.
• Pets are sometimes not allowed in rented accommodation so be sure to check with the owner or his agent in advance.
• Apartment specifications vary widely, however you may expect most of them to have fitted closets and air conditioning. Fitted carpets and central heating are unnecessary.
House hunting is never easy anywhere. It is even trickier looking for your dream home in a foreign land, Santa Fe will be on hand to offer any assistance to make this process a less traumatic one.
Hotels provide the most common form of temporary accommodation upon arrival. It is a simple and easy solution and a good base to work from while getting to know all the alternatives available. If you are able to locate and move into a home quickly, a hotel is the perfect choice as you need not worry about deposits and the other requirements of serviced apartments. Do not hesitate to negotiate with the hotels as they offer some great packages, especially if you are a long-term guest.
Hotels are plentiful and conveniently located throughout the city to match all budgets. If you have children it is possible to request connecting rooms and some hotels now offer two bedroom suites with some basic cooking facilities (microwaves, toasters, etc.). Enquire about baby-sitting services before making any bookings - it may be an invaluable asset to use when searching for a home and first getting settled in Hong Kong.
Serviced and short-term leased apartments
The alternative to hotels is serviced apartments. They usually have at least one bedroom with a living room and kitchenette, creating some form of normality. They are an ideal solution if your permanent accommodation is not available for a month or more, or if you have children, as they cater towards children more than hotels tend to.
The facilities of serviced apartments vary depending on your budget, however, most have at least the same basic services as a hotel i.e. maid service (cleaning and change of linen), a small kitchen or pantry, television, telephone and parking. Additional services may include: cable television, video, hi-fi, safe, swimming pool, exercise room, garden, playground, restaurant, room service, general store, bakery, beauty parlor, voice mail, business center, etc. As competition increases, serviced apartments are becoming far more professional and service oriented.
Generally, the terms for lease are monthly but weekly and fortnightly rates are sometimes offered. Do not hesitate to negotiate especially if you are signing a long-term lease. Yearly leases can be arranged but newcomers should be wary of committing themselves too readily. Decisions may later be regretted. By all means, a one-year lease in serviced apartments does suit some people's requirements but before making this decision investigate the options and try to speak to someone who has chosen this avenue. It is wise to first sign a one-month lease, then consider making the commitment to a longer term lease.
A refundable deposit is required, usually between 1-3 months rent. This will depend on company policy and may be negotiable. You may forfeit the deposit if you leave prior to the lease expiry date. Other costs to be aware of that may or may not be included in the rent are:
The following are recommended serviced apartments that are commonly used by companies employing expats. These apartments can also be used for “look see” visits. All SFRS consultants should consult with their housing outsource for the best possible accommodation at a cost effective price. A service apartment provides full facilities, including furnishings and maid services. These units are like multi room hotels, with kitchens and appliances.
Temporary
Accommodation:
The following are some of the recommended serviced apartments that are commonly used by companies employing expats. These apartments can also be used for “look see” visits. All SFRS consultants should consult with their housing outsource for the best possible accommodation at a cost effective price. A service apartment provides full facilities, including furnishings and maid services. These units are like multi room hotels, with kitchens and appliances.
The Atrium
606 sq.ft. to 3,388 sq.ft.
Full Facilities
Convention Plaza
1 Harbour Road, Wanchai Hong Kong
Unit Size: 543 s.f. -1,872 sq. ft.
Full Facilities
Hong Kong Parkview
Parkview Suite, 88, Tai Tam Reservoir Rd., H.K.
Unit Size: 770 s.f. -1,320 sq. ft.
Full Facilities
The Royal Tower
Hillsborough Court, 18 Old Peak Road, Hong Kong
Unit Size: 931/938 s.f 2 - 1,369/1,385
sq. ft.
Full Facilities
Eaton House
Wanchai - Happy Valley, Hong Kong
Unit Size: 422s.f. - 688sq. ft
No Facilities
9 - 11 Staunton Street, Central, Hong Kong.
Unit Size: 500 - 700 sq. ft.
8 Russell Street, Times Square, Causeway Bay, Central, Hong
Kong.
Unit Size: 380 -1000 sq. ft.
Full Facilities
The Repulse Bay, 109
Repulse Bay Road
Size: 1,400 - 2,500 s.f.
Bedrooms: 1 - 4
Full Facilities
Parkside, Queensway Central
Size: 1,220 sq.ft. to 2,650 sq.ft. Situated on the 11th to 37th floors