[tx75070]

I Want To Learn More About Buying A Village House. Has Anyone Had Bad Experience With Resale? I Am Interested In The Following Areas: Tai Po, Yuen Long, Shatin, Sheng Shui, And Fanling. I Need At Least 1400 Square Feet, But Would Prefer 2100 Square Feet. Does Anyone Have An Agent Contact I Could Use?

Can Any Expats Comment About What It Is Like Living In A Village House? Pros / Cons. Or Is This Just Unheard Of For Expats?

Sorry If This Should Be Posted Somewhere Else.

[jimbo]

Not unheard of but some of your traditional old school villages don't like gweilo's moving into there ancestoral village.

So you're looking at two floors at least, Best bet is to go for the whole house much less hassle.

New build or old build?

New build you're looking at around 4/5 million or so.

[tx75070]

Originally Posted by jimbo

Not unheard of but some of your traditional old school villages don't like gweilo's moving into there ancestoral village.

So you're looking at two floors at least, Best bet is to go for the whole house much less hassle.

New build or old build?

New build you're looking at around 4/5 million or so.

Would prefer new build, but not totally closed off to old build if it makes sense. Yes, i think you are right about purchasing the whole house.

[discobay]

I know a number of expats who live in village houses.
Pros:
There is the independence of the housing unit from wall/floor-sharing (have I just invented a new piece of grammar?) neighbours, the increased overall space, the better use of space, the increased net space (no space lost to lift lobbies etc), free (uncovered) parking.
Cons:
No estate management, 24-hour security, covered parking, often a distance from MTR and bus stations (or is that an advantage?), bottled gas, thin floors could be a problem if you don't buy the whole house and ADSL broadband may not be available.

[elle]

I'd recommend you talk to a solicitor who is specialized in property. There are a couple of very unique things to consider when purchasing a village house. If you are not careful you might end up owning the house, but not the land it stands on. Also consider that most banks are reluctant even to give you a 70% mortgage as village houses are kind of "inferiour construction/property" for them.

[discobay]

All land is owned by the government. The best a buyer can get is a leasehold agreement.

[tx75070]

Originally Posted by discobay

All land is owned by the government. The best a buyer can get is a leasehold agreement.

What is the duration of such an agreement?

[elle]

discobay - village houses are a special case here.

[KnowItAll]

http://www.landsd.gov.hk/en/legco/purchas.htm

[jimbo]

Oh and generally as a rule if its the older type of village house you won't get your own car parking space and you may have to lease it off the village elder.