Accommodation in Hong Kong

Accommodation is very expensive in Hong Kong but this is generally compensated for by high expat wages and company housing allowances. Prices range from about US$2000/month for a tiny (50m²) Mid-Levels apartment to US$20,000/month for a luxurious home in an upmarket area. Expats living further from the central business district will pay cheaper rent but have a longer commute to work. There are however excellent transport system between most residential areas and the CBD.

 

Leases are usually valid for two years and require a month’s rent as deposit, but some landlords ask for up to three month’s rent as a deposit. Expats must ensure they are permitted to break the lease contract if they are relocated by their company. Rentals are payable monthly and it’s the responsibility of tenants to arrange the connection of utilities. There are also shorter term serviced apartments available but these are more expensive to rent.

 

Most rental accommodation is leased in good condition and landlords hold the rental deposit till the end of the contract/tenancy (returned without interest) to ensure that any property damage is paid for. Most housing is leased unfurnished but appliances such as washing machines and fridges are often provided, as are air-con units (essential in Hong Kong!).

 

There are a number of popular residential areas for expat accommodation in Hong Kong, influenced by the lifestyle preferences of the individual. Families with young children tend to favour the Southern part of Hong Kong Island, while single expats and young couples prefer the Mid-Levels area. More affluent expats often rent expensive apartment or townhouse at the Peak.

Wan Chai

 

Single expats and young couples in Hong Kong enjoy living in the Mid-Levels, just above Central and Wan Chai. This area is popular among young expats due to its close proximity to the CBD and the nightlife of Soho and Lan Kwai Fong. The Mid-Levels are also good for expat families as there are international schools and good hospitals nearby, as well as outdoor attractions such as the Zoological and Botanical gardens. The extraordinary Mid-Levels Escalator, the longest outdoor escalator on earth, runs from here to the city centre.

 

Expats looking for more reasonably priced accommodation and a sense of integration with the local people should consider renting in the residential area running from Tin Hau to North Point. Although this neighbourhood doesn’t have any large-scale shopping malls, it does have supermarkets, traditional wet markets and a few good restaurants for expats to enjoy. The well-priced apartments in this area are also generally in good condition.

Repulse Bay

Not only is the Peak the highest locale on Hong Kong Island, it is also the most affluent residential area. Height restrictions have ensured that the low rise buildings don’t detract from the beautiful views, or block any of the cool evening breezes that caress the neighbourhood. Many housing complexes on the Peak offer communal swimming pools, tennis courts and gymnasiums, and there are also lovely walks to be had in the area. The Peak does experience some mist and very high humidity in spring; dehumidifiers are essential.

 

Happy Valley is an upmarket Hong Kong neighbourhood favoured by many expats, most renowned for the famous Happy Valley Racetrack and its close proximity to the shopping and nightlife hub of Causeway Bay. Happy Valley offers a range of accommodation for expats, from classic low rise complexes to tall, modern apartment buildings. There are also a number of short term serviced apartments available for expats to rent in Happy Valley.

 

Jardine’s Lookout is an exclusive residential area located on the mountain above Happy Valley. This area is home to an elite, well-secured community living in large detached houses and luxurious apartment complexes. Jardine’s Lookout boasts its own supermarket, florists, a post office and other useful amenities for expats to use, as well as a beautiful landscape of wooded hills and great views over Victoria Harbour. There are also international schools nearby for the children of expat families to attend.