In Hong Kong, landlords practice multiple listing, so one good, responsible agent
is able to cover the whole market for you, saving valuable time and simplifying
the selection ordeal. We at Sallmanns
Residential are happy to co-operate with all other reputable
agencies, as well as contacting the general Landlords to ensure that all the
available premises that might be suitable for you are covered and available for
your inspection.
We do recommend that you keep as open a mind as possible until you come over
and actually see first-hand what Hong Kong properties have to offer. The Hong
Kong residential property market is quite unique, so come with as few preconceptions
as possible, and discuss your requirements and findings at length with us
either by e-mail or in person once you are here – then our task is to match
your needs to the best Hong Kong has to offer.
With the advent of the internet, you can do a great deal of research on your
likely housing before actually arriving – check totallyhk.scmp.com
for more general information on Hong Kong and the types of properties here. The
Wednesday Property Post section in the South China Morning Post - www.scmp.com,
has a wealth of information and property advertisements. These, and other
agency sites can give you a good overview and an idea of what to expect, but no
web description of an apartment or house matches up to actually viewing the
premises. Our section Properties gives a brief description and details on size
and average rentals for all our more popular blocks and developments and Hot
Properties has varied selection of some specific units currently available. We
hope that these will help you shape your ideas and expectations.
Keep your expectations low and you
won't be disappointed! Even after the Asian recession, Hong Kong housing costs
are among the highest in the world, and companies vary hugely as to the rental
budget they offer their expat employees and families.
Due to the shortage of flat land in Hong Kong, urban spread has traditionally
been vertical rather than horizontal, with high-rise buildings climbing ever
higher. There are small pockets of low-rise accommodation and on Hong Kong
Island, this is chiefly found on the Peak or in the Southside where some zones
are subject to height-restriction bye-laws. However, the majority of Hong Kong
residents, including expats, live in multi-storey apartment-blocks of differing
standards and amenities. Rentals vary widely and are affected by size, location
and facilities. It is common to have three bedrooms, however small the floor
area, and four-bedroom family-size flats are considered "luxury"
units.
Size is measured in gross square feet, and will include balconies and some
common areas, so as a guideline, deduct about 20% to find the net square-foot
size. For some inexplicable reason, older apartments appear more generous in
their quoted size than modern ones! High-rise apartments often give a larger
useable floor area than townhouses, which are built on small sites with many
levels, losing space in stairs and corridors. Modern blocks usually incorporate
a swimming pool, and many larger developments have additional sports and play
facilities, allowing children, in particular, a good point of contact for
meeting and making new friends. There are also a greater number of potential
friends to be found in a block with many apartments than in a small housing
development, so again, keep an open mind till you can weigh up the alternatives
for yourself.
Prior to the handover of the premises to the Tenant, the Landlord will usually
redecorate throughout and make good any defects. Should you make any
alterations during the term of your Tenancy, you may be required to reinstate
the premises to the initial condition (fair wear and tear allowed) upon expiry
of the lease.
