Housing in Hong KongNewcomers 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.
Mid-levels West
Situated halfway up the mountain towards the west end and between the Peak and Central. Mid-levels is unique in its key location and breathtaking seaview. Its close proximity to Central provides excellent access for business and shopping. The Mid-Level Escalator also provides extra convenient access to Central district.
North Point
East of Causeway Bay , North Point is mainly a residential area. The region left to King's Road is a habitat for many Japanese expatriates. Development here are mostly high-rise estates with spacious apartments. The nearby Braemar Hill has other upscale residence with exquisite environment and greenery. Connection to other commercial cities is very convenient too.
South Bay
Buildings here capture superb views of Repulse Bay and South Bay . With close proximity to beaches and restaurants nearby, development here enjoy easy access to shopping and businesses. Driving time to Central district requires less than 30 minutes.
Repulse Bay
One of the most popular beaches in Hong Kong . The large, sandy beach has been extended recently. Both high-rise apartments and low-rise townhouses offer magnificent sea view. On the south coast of Hong Kong Island , driving time to Central district requires less than 30 minutes.
Sai Kung
Sai Kung is a low-density recreational and residential area. Lots of greenery, plus excellent scenery in this region. Buildings here are low-rise. Most of them are villas, apartments and townhouses. In the eastern part of the New Territories , it is well connected to the Kowloon Peninsula and Sha Tin via public transports.
Shouson Hill
A tranquil and very expensive residential area. From the coastline on the south side, there is lush greenery. Buildings are mainly lowrises or modern townhouses. Close to Deepwater Bay and the Royal Hong Kong Golf Club.
Stanley
Stanley Peninsula used to be an old fishing village. Today, it is a major tourist attraction. Nearby are Stanley Beach , St. Stephen's Church, Stanley Military Cemetery , as well as the open market. Development here are luxurious. Many fine restaurants can also be found here. Driving time to Central district takes about 30 minutes.
Taikoo
Located on the East of Hong Kong Island, Taikoo offers convenient transportation network to both Central district and the Kowloon Peninsula through the Eastern Corridor. Inside are several major residential estates in town. Many expatriates live in this region.
Tai Hang
A luxurious residential area. Leading from Causeway Bay to Jardine's Lookout, access to business and shopping is excellent. Driving time to Central district needs less than 15 minutes. The Hong Kong Stadium nearby has a capacity of 40,000 people and had held a number of international football matches.
Tai Tam
A very prestigious residential area in Hong Kong . Buildings here are mainly low-rise townhouses and detached houses. Nearby is Turtle Cove Beach . Scenery here is excellent and affluent.
The Peak
The Victoria Peak provides magnificent harbour and city views. At sunset, the dazzling panorama of Hong Kong Island , the harbour, and the Kowloon Peninsula can all be captured. Residences here are typically spacious detached homes, townhouses or lowrise colonial style flats. The Peak Tram connects it to Central district in about 15 minutes.
Wan Chai
Directly east of Central, Wan Chai has many bars, clubs, and dance halls. The nightlife here attracts visits of many affluent professionals after work every day. Nearby is the magnificent Hong Kong Convention & Exhibition Centre, at where the ceremony of hand-over of Hong Kong 's sovereignty took place. Many expatriates live in this region.
Average Rents and Prices by Class
(Source: Hong Kong Rating and Valuation Department)
Take your time looking for suitable housing as there are so many factors to consider. While you search, the options for temporary accommodation are:
Hotel accommodation : Asian hotel standards are very high, and many hotels offer packages with weekly or monthly special rates and extras such as discounted laundry, inclusive breakfasts and so forth.
Serviced apartments : Families often prefer to take serviced accommodation, which usually provides a separate sitting area and small kitchen and can be more homely than a hotel for a period of a month or so. You need to consider the distance from school, work and shops, and what amenities or recreational facilities are offered. Reservations should be made as far in advance as possible, especially if you are coming in the peak tourist and conference months of April-May and October-November.
