What kind of rental budget should i try to get?

Hi,


I may be in the process of transferring within my risk control department to our soon to be started office in Hong Kong. I am a senior risk analyst within our company with a Msc degree in applied physics and applied electronics.


After reading up on HK i have come to understand that housing is incredibly expensive. Since we don't have an office there in HK, i do not know how much knowledge my bosses have about prices for renting, so I want to prepare myself before the discussion arises, so if you please could help me.


Colleagues at other larger financial cities where we have offices, like London, NY and Frankfurt always have got like a 2 room apartment in a nice area close to work. As an example in London my colleague got an apartment costing about £2500 per month north west of Hyde Park in Bayswater.


If we would try to transfer that kind of living standard to HK, i guess that would also mean, like a small 2 room apartment, bedroom and living-room and a kitchen close to center of town, with like a maximum 10-15 min MTR ride to work, preferably less. Of course i want air-con, good standard in the kitchen, dehumidifiers and stuff in my apartment. What would this cost me in HK per month?


Anything else I should think about when negotiating?

Given your requirements, your budget should be in the 25-40k range depending on facilities in the building and so forth. Can be much less if you choose a "non-expat" area like Tai Koo for example. A site like www.gohome.com.hk is good for reference, though the actual numbers should be taken with a pinch of salt.


Aircon is always standard, but dehumidifiers, as mentioned, are your responsibility.

Thanks for the replies!


What would an apartment in so the say, "the best" expat areas cost? I guess very central or up on the hillside..


Also, since I am young still singe 27 year old? guy and still enjoy some nightlife and such, which areas would you recommend in this price range (25-40k)?


Your advice is very much appreciated!

"What would an apartment in so the say, "the best" expat areas cost? I guess very central or up on the hillside.."


If by best you mean most expensive we're talking Repulse Bay or The Peak. Three bedrooms in Repulse Bay are 55-110k. Four bedrooms can top 150k. Those areas are great if you like living outside of downtown. HK being so small ensures you are still close to town.

Thanks for your help! Tomorrow morning I will have a discussion with the boss, let's see what they say about rental budget :)


I feel that they have to give me a pretty sweet deal to take it.