Posted by
plutobrown
14 yrs ago
I'm moving from London to HK later this year. It's been recommended that I live in mid levels area to be near the office in central. The budget I have is broadly speaking USD35k-50k pa. / HKD 22k - 32k/month.
I would appreciate some advice on what type of place this is likely to get me in mid levels and also recommendations on alternative areas to mid levels. I'm happy to look at other areas of HK island if it allows me a better place to live without making my commute excessive (perhaps up to 30mins commute?)
Also, I have the option to have a small car allowance. If I live in mid levels I understand there would be no point having a car, but if I lived further away is it practical/ feasible to own a car?
Many thanks in advance for your advice.
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Ed
14 yrs ago
I would suggest that you consider staying in a serviced apartment for a month or two before committing to a long term lease... that way you can determine which area is the most appropriate http://hongkong.asiaxpat.com/property/serviced.asp
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Thirty minutes commute gives you a lot of leeway. You should be able to get at least 800 sq ft in Mid-levels for that price. In Mid-levels, the pleasant and reasonable areas are around Bonham Road, Park Road, Mosque Street, Caine Road Braemar Hill and Happy Valley are quite pleasant; Fortress Hill/Tin Hau is convenient but it may be a bit too 'local' for some newly-arrived expats. On Lantau, Park Island, Discovery Bay offer much better 'lifestyle' and facilities if you can stand the 25 minute commute; however the longer you live in HK the more you want to stay central. I agree with Ed. Move into a serviced apartment for at least one month and get a feel for the place.
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Mr. Kenneth Lee showed great help in assisting me finding a new location last year. So I would like to recommend him to you. His email address is kpwlee@yahoo.com.hk.
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Like anywhere, you generally get less for your money the closer you are to town, though HK's a bit odd that way in that there are some older buildings in good locations, so you might get something close- but a large amount of the island is within 30 minutes commute anyway. Personally I don't think you get much space for your money at Centre Stage - and too many tiny bedrooms where one or two bigger ones would do. And teeny kitchens. I would agree with the comments about starting in a service flat for a month or two & taking your time. You won't need a car & it may be more hassle & expense than it's worth.
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I urge you to look at West Kowloon, especially around Olympic. You can get much more for your money, a better clubhouse, cleaner air (if you are on the sea), and a shorter commute.
Leaving my door, and sitting down at a meeting in Central can be acheived inside 30 minutes often times. Try doing that from Mid-levels, and you will be totally dependent on getting an instant taxi. If it rains, forget it!
West Kowloon is the new Mid-levels. (But maybe I should keep it a secret, since it might push up rents here.)
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Be careful. Some agents will only take you around HK Mid-Levels, because it is easier for them, and they make a higher fee (= one half month's rent), but they may not be serving their clients well. Try doing some of your own research, and lookking too, if you have the time.
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