Posted by
splat
18 yrs ago
Do property agents assume that expats don't want to see walk-up apartments? Or are there specific agents who tend to deal with more walk-ups and older buildings? (If so, which ones?!)
I am assuming that walk-ups are likely to be bigger inside - and if they have a rooftop this is likely to be bigger also. Is this fiction or fact?
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Owners of walk-ups in old buildings are not so likely to use the boutique expat-oriented agents. Many are owned by older local people who prefer to use the same agent they have used for the past umpteen years.
While some flats may be advertised in the windows of big-named agents, you may find more choice in the smaller local agents' windows. Also the ones in big-named ones will be in English and are sometimes more expensive, although also renovated.
Walk-ups are not necessarily bigger. It does depend on the area. Ones in Central might only be 300-400 sf, but ones in High West, Pokfulam are much larger.
The roof of a walk-up can be nice although a roof does not make the flat itself bigger (!?). The roof will be the same size as the flat it sits atop of, unless there a serious overhang.
But beware about roofs. Some roofs are not well maintained. You do not want your roof to become a pile of rumble in your living room - yes this happened to a friend after a lot of rain.
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splat
18 yrs ago
Thanks Claire - very good points and really helpful. Your response makes me think of two more questions: (1) I'm thinking about Happy Valley...is this an area where there tends to be a decent supply of (spacious) walk-ups? Am thinking of 2bed/1100sqft minimum; and (2) Are landlords usually reluctant to allow a tenant to do anything with the interiors (eg from giving it a coat of paint to doing some (minor) upgrading of fixtures/fittings?
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pzt
18 yrs ago
I live in a walk up in an old Chinese bldg in Mid-levels - the bldg is nothing to look at, but the apt is beautiful - newly renovated (very modern, very un-HK renovation!), 1200 sq ft two br (not like new construction in HK where they cram as many rms as possible in a tiny space). You need to look pretty hard and be insistent about what you want bef the agents catering to expats will show it to you.
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splat
18 yrs ago
Hey pzt, would you mind telling me which agent you used in Midlevels? I'm definitely finding that what you say is true in my search...would be great to know that I'm talking to an agent that has some experience in this sort of place! If you would prefer not to post here, you an email me direct using: splat AT sent dot com. Many many thanks in advance!
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splat> Re Landlords allowing upgrading: If you have a rundown place, the landlord generally won't mind, although some might - also some might want to input advice or insist you use their "preferred" contractor. You should let him/her know first and gain permission.
There is drawback to smartening up a rundown place, and that is the landlord may decide to take back the flat. A friend spent five months and a great deal of money doing up the kitchen and bathroom - which were disgustingly unusable. The landlord invoked the break clause as soon as he could so he could rent the place out at a much higher rental. My friend only got to "enjoy" his lovely kitchen and bathroom for eight months. We had warned him...
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Dear Splat,
To answer your question. I know of a great property agent in HK. Her name is Nadim Everts. She knows the SOHO and Mid-Level area inside out.
I have dealt with her on several occasions. She is extremely honest, hard-working and just is not out to sell you just whatever. The great thing is she speaks english as she was brought up in the US. I highly recommend her if you are seriously looking to rent or buy a place. She deals with old and new flats. The name of the agency is: Professional Properties Co. Her number is: 9866-4454.
Good luck!
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Ed
18 yrs ago
If you speak to Nadim suggest she posts ads in our Hot Properties section.
Agents are reporting massive results when they post listings - particularly if they include photos...
Our property channel is the number one place for expats to lease or buy a property in HK.
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