[Idlespyder]

Hi, my wife and I are going to be moving to HK in mid-August for work for the first time. We're in our 20s and are thinking of renting a decent apartment, with 1 or 2 bedrooms for about 8-10K (less is of course better).

We don't need to live too close to town (need air) and are looking at places about 20mins commute from central.

So far through the internet, The Merton and Grand Promenade have gotten our attention. Do you think it'll be possible to get a place at that price? Does anyone have any other similar places in mind that we should consider?

Thanks.

[esquire1113]

Hi,

I just came back from my house hunting trip in HK and visited both GP and Merton.

My feedback on GP is that it's way overpriced and the rooms are TINY. The agent showed us a couple of flats that were priced at 25k for 3 bedrooms. We were shocked at how small each bedroom was. There was no room in the master bdrm for queen size bed. The 2 other bedrooms are like 5'x5' only. There's no closets in any of the rooms.

We drove by the Merton, but the neighborhood was really old and dingy. Merton is a new building and the agent said the rooms are not better that GP. Price was expensive too.

For your budget, I can only recommend that you research places in the new territories b/c to get a decent apartment on HK island will cost you a hefty penny.

[freeier]

don't think its particular to GP or merton, everywhere in hk island is tiny.

[texasaxel]

So you want a spacious flat within 20 minutes of Central for under 10K? The older highrises in Discovery Bay (25 min by ferry from Central-IFC) might be an option but DB is very family-oriented and may not be for everyone ... it gives you 'air' but not much in terms of 'party' ... take a look at this thread, it might give you a better perspective or do a search on threads with 'Discovery Bay'.

Mid-Level vs Discovery Bay?

[andante]

Yea.. everywhere in HK is tiny.. except for the biggie houses u see on the peak & repulse bay etc.

10k for a 2 bedroom was definitely possible when i was still viewing the merton like 3 mths back.. heard they've filled up quite abit of the empty units & the remainding are asking for alittle more.

Still if ur budget is for an unfurnished 2-bedroom with no terrific sea view, shld be do-able.

Kennedy town looks like a really old estate to live in.. but it's actually pretty cool with several nice non-chinese eateries & pubs & convenient aplenty of supermkts, buses, mini buses.

It takes me 10 mins on a cab to admiralty even w the morning slow traffic. Other than the occasional nasty angmohs (like the 2 rude ones i met today) snatching ur taxis in the morning, its great.