where to live in Sai Kung/Clearwater Bay

Hi,


We're moving to Hong Kong this coming December and are in the process of finding a house. We're a European family with 3 little boys (4, 2.5 and 1 y/o) and need advice on where to live. We'll be relocating from Shanghai where unfortunately didn't have much luck with the real estate agents (some seem to have higher commissions in certain compunds and therefore only show you properties there rather than giving you all options matching your budget).


We have a budget of 60/70K - HKD/month and would like to hear which compounds would be in our price range. I won't be driving so ideally we are looking for a place with shuttle bus to town/facilities, with a nice expat community and suitable for families with young kids. House/villa type with garden.


We've done some research online and came across a few developments which seem nice, but it's hard to make a decision based on pictures only. We liked Giverny, Portofino, Floral Villas, Jade Villas, The Rock and Phoenix Palm. I'm sure there are plenty more options for us to explore but would love to hear from those of you living in the area.


We are coming down in October on our look-&-see trip and it would be great if I have a list of properties to give to our agent so that we don't waste time exploring options that are not suitable for us (we'll be going around with 3 little kids on tow so want to make the most out of our trip).


Thanks a lot for your help/advice!


Ariadna

Hi there - definitely not easy to take 3 kids around to view. I've just signed a lease in Sai Kung along Tai Mong Tsai Road and it took a lot of seeing especially seeing that you want to rent something in fairly good condition. Definitely not that easy in SK!


Of your shortlisted options - Giverny is exclusive. It's also very expensive for what it is. The rooms are tiny and the useable area is low. There is not much garden/ outdoor space but that's compensated by the Club House. You'll be looking at least 60K per month. Jade Villas is more communal but not the newest and has no security even though it is in an estate setting. The Rock is new but access in and out of the Rock really is inconvenient as they're doing road works so you basically have to access it via a one-lane road for the next 12 months. It's about 500m from the main road and getting in and out is not easy when you're not driving. Even if you did there is no proper carpark unless you're willing to pay 70K for the two units on either end that has its own carpark. I've not seen the other properties.


There are several agents in SK town who are helpful. Note of extreme caution. There is one agency that has a very distinct bright orangey-red logo. They are the most sneaky unprofessional agents who will do anything to rip their clients off in order to make a few hundred dollars more. Think the scummiest Shanghainese agents you've met and you're probably on the right track. With any and all agents in HK, negotiate negotiate negotiate. You will after all, still be a part of China ;)

Hi Cee We've just moved to Tai Mong Tsai Road too.I think it's lovely this side!