Newcomers to Hong Kong are not advised to buy property here on arrival. One of the prime reasons is the high cost of property - both sale and rental. . Thus the first thing that needs to be established is exactly what allowances and reimbursements are included in the financial package offered by the employer for your new position.

Space in Hong Kong is luxurious, so does the rent level. Owing to the high coverage of hills and mountains over the region, local flats are often small and compact. High-storey buildings in big estate with management facilities are one of the most common residences in Hong Kong .

Hong Kong offers a wide variety of housing options for expatriates. Depending on your lifestyle and budget, there are apartments and condominiums downtown, low-rise and houses in various suburban neighborhoods. Some hotels and property management companies also offer service apartment good for temporary accommodation before you find a permanent residence. Expatriates, however, who are used to scenery and spaces may prefer districts with lower density with quick access to business and financial districts like Central or Causeway Bay.

Popular areas for expatriates

Gold Coast

Hong Kong Gold Coast is a prestigious high-end large residential estate, built along the coastline of Castle Peak Bay . The living environment is peaceful and pleasant. Most units have excellent seaviews of Castle Peak Bay and the Typhoon Shelter. Nice beaches such as the Cafeteria Old Beach and Cafeteria New Beach are located here. The building's exterior is attractive and is reminiscent of the European style. Recreational facilities are adequate. The utilization rate is as high as 80%. It is easily accessible to and from Hong Kong International Airport at Chek Lap Kok, Central district and other downtown areas.

Happy Valley

A luxurious residential area. With close proximity to Causeway Bay , driving time to Central district needs less than 15 minutes. The Happy Valley Racecourse nearby has a capacity of 54,000 people and it is crowded with tens of thousands of people on racing day. Many fine eateries can be found along Wong Nai Chung Road .

Jardine's Lookout

There are both high-rise, low-rise extravagant development and spacious detached houses. Most of them enjoy spectacular harbour view. Driving time to Central district needs less than 15 minutes.

Mid-levels Central

The Mid-levels Central is situated half-way up the mountain between the Peak and Central. Its close proximity to Wan Chai provides convenient access to Central and the eastern districts. Buildings in this region are of low density. The Hong Kong Park nearby covers an area of 8 hectares and more than 150 species of birds are living peacefully in this natural landscape.