Renting advice in HK

Hi there,


My husband and I are thinking about moving to HK from the UK. We have two sons, the eldest being 9 and the youngest 6.


I was wondering if anyone can give me some idea of what my husband should ask his employer for as a housing allowance.


I'm not too sure about renting costs and the best areas to live in with two children.


I lived in Singapore for a year about 8 years ago and made a big mistake of not researching the area I was moving to. After a month I realised I made a big mistake as I ended up in a condo with professional single men and no families. So I didn't meet many mums and found myself very isolated.


I would like to live in an area which has expat families (easier for us to make friends).


Which are the most popular places? I heard that Repulse Bay is nice but quite expensive


Any advice on locations, rentals would be greatly appreciated.


Thank you

lots of threads on this topic on this forum and the other one. research more and you will find the info you need

You would want to be reasonably close to your sons' school(s) without inflicting a long commute to work on either yourself or your husband. If you could let us know what school they go to and where you work you may get some suggestions that are closer to what you need. It is likely that you will end up in something smaller than what you have in Singapore - unless you have a very large allowance.


You mention Repulse Bay so I assume you want to be on HK Island? South Side (including Repulse Bay has some very nice places but is, as you say, expensive). Bel Air (in Pok Fu Lam) is a newish development with excellent facilities which may be a bit cheaper. Park View (technically in Tai Tam but on top of the ridge line the runs across the top of HK Island) is older but well maintained and good quality (it is also next to a country park). There are plenty of places in Mid-Levels which are good but they the buildings tend to be more closely packed and many lack facilities (like swimming pools) - the upside is proximity to restaurants.


I'd suggest coming up to HK and spending a few days with a real estate agent looking at places in different areas.

Have you any notion of the employers budget?


If the places mentioned by TI do not give "sticker shock", then they are probably ideal.


There are cheaper options, but they will involve various trade-off. One place you might want to look is Discovery Bay - that the feasibility of that will depend upon where your children are in school

Have you any notion of the employers budget?


If the places mentioned by TI do not give "sticker shock", then they are probably ideal.


There are cheaper options, but they will involve various trade-off. One place you might want to look is Discovery Bay - that the feasibility of that will depend upon where your children are in school

And if your/your husband's employer is feeling generous, you may want to see if they will offer you a club membership. A few still offer these for high end expat packages. If so, I suggest Aberdeen Marina Club for people with young children.