Is it true?

We are going to move to Hong Kong right after Xmas. My husband's company has engaged a relocation company for us to settle quickly. we have a house allowance of 37000 HKDollars and we would like to find a 3 bedroom appartment in Mid-Levels. This Agency told us that the allowance is very little and there is almost not hope to find a place in Mid-Levels. Moreover the agent told us that every advertisement you find on the web is not true. This meaning that they do not put the real price of the appartment. She said that when you read "inclusive" that it is not true.

Is it really like this in Hong Kong?

Do they really cheat in the house advert?

Thanks a lot!

Since you are looking at the mid-levels, you must want something quite central. However, the mid-levels goes from the West at HKU to the East around Tai Hang. If Tai Hang to Shiu Fai area is ok, then you could find a decent flat for your budget.... but facilities will be limited. IF you require major facilities, then it may be tough on your budget unless 1,000 sq ft or old renovation is ok. In HK, you always trade modern/new vs old/variable renovation with space. Places look much bigger in the pix than actual net. Much information is outdated rather than "cheating".

From the start your estate agent is trying to scare you so if I were you I would do some looking on my own too. Just walk into any agency and they will have properties to show you.


We had a great place in a great location for 25k and it was 3 bedrooms and 1100 sq ft but the rooms were tiny and the layout did not make the most of the space but this is normal for HK. We used 1 room as a study, 1 as a bedroom and 1 as a dressing room so it was perfect for 2 people but not a family. We also had a small gym and pool and expansive views.


In my experience you need to look at alot of places and the internet should only be a guide, you need to see the places for yourself because it is more about how the place feels than what it looks like in the photos.


Inclusive probably means the management fees not the utilities.


Do the standard and have the company put you in a serviced apartment for 1-2 months while you look. Also make sure you have the money for the deposit and agents fee - all togehter you need 3.5 months rent to start (2 mths deposit, 1 mth in advance, .5 for the agent.)

Yes, my husband's company is paying the relocation company, but I am used not to trust blindly. I always like to check the information I get.

For what I could see on the web, there were 3 bed rooms appartments for 37k in Midlevels. Apparently my agency was right and the advert on the web are really cheating, so i will have to look at other possibilities. In any case I will have a look around when I will finally be in HK.

Thanks a lot for your advices.

You'll be fine, dont worry about it, there should be loads of places available in mid levels, when I was looking I saw two 3 bedroom places for about 25,000 a month inc and that was only last summer! Be strict with your agency and tell them that is what you want and you wont settle for anything less. If you need advice on areas etc just pm me. Hope this helps.

3-bedroom places for 25K inclusive are extremely hard to get now, prices have gone up a lot since last summer. Remember adverts on the Internet are the same as adverts everywhere, they are intended to get your attention and interest. A lot of agents - not all, but a lot - will say the price is "inclusve" even if it's not because they hope they can negotiate with the landlord. Rentals are never inclusive of utilities, it just means management fee, government rates, and government rent.