[LittleD]

Hi All,

First time poster here. Had a quick question about apartments. For a junior executive of a large MNC, what is considered to be a typical sized apartment for a couple?

We have a lot of friends and acquaintances in HK, and while we dont feel a need to impress anyone, we would like to maintain a place that won't cause our acquaintances to "look down" on us.

So for a nicely appointed apartment, what square footage would be expected of a mid-30's executive?

[shri]

>> what square footage would be expected

How long is a piece of string?

Go with what you can afford ..

[LittleD]

I expected responses like "go with what you can afford" and "it doesnt matter with what other people think" etc... but I'm hoping that someone can provide a helpful opinion rather than a lecture.

Shri, your response was not helpful because I can afford quite a bit. But let's say I follow your advice and get what I can afford. Does a young couple without kids really need a 2000sqft apt in Mid-Levels or Happy Valley to "fit in"? I don't think so. We don't want to impress anyone, just want to find the "appropriate" size for our position and age. Is 700sqft about right? Maybe 1000sqft? In any case, thank you for taking the time to respond.

[hullexile]

Find the location you want first, then find an appropriate size. Why not book into a serviced appt to start with and see what your colleagues, friends have? Not a lecture, just advice. The location will determine the size probably, i.e. if you want to be central then the flat will be smaller normally. If you want to live on an island then you will go for something bigger.

[jaykay]

Apartments here have a lot less to do with status than in western countries. Most people here socialise outside, not at home. To a lot of people a flat is just somewhere to get some sleep and cook occassionally. So there isn't the social stigma attached, no having to keep up with the neighbours which is refreshing.

Most home socialising is done with your closest friends, very rarely will you see the apartments of your work colleagues if at all. In fact, in some cases, you'll still find local execs of MNC's living in public housing because to them what comes out of their own pocket is a lot more important than any so called, or percieved, social status.

[KnowItAll]

>> We don't want to impress anyone, just want to find the "appropriate" size for our position and age.

Appropriate would then be something that you would enjoy and a place where you'd like to going back to and enjoy spending time in. Also look for a place where all your belongings would fit in.

Like JayKay says... you're not expected to entertain at home and no one at work will really care about where you live.

Now... the real question is, what sort of car do you plan on driving to work.

[Expatriate]

Originally Posted by LittleD

Hi All,

First time poster here. Had a quick question about apartments. For a junior executive of a large MNC, what is considered to be a typical sized apartment for a couple?

We have a lot of friends and acquaintances in HK, and while we dont feel a need to impress anyone, we would like to maintain a place that won't cause our acquaintances to "look down" on us.

So for a nicely appointed apartment, what square footage would be expected of a mid-30's executive?

You are a couple, so nothing is expected. Except maybe have a nice interior design and keep the place clean.

If you were looking for a Chinese Wife, then 2000sqft++ in Midlevels plus car plus pleasure boat would be just fine.

I feel comfortable with 700sqft in 3 bedrooms. But for me any apartment without a balcony or terrace is unacceptable.


Find a place where you feel at home with your partner during those long days of typhoon and/or monsoon when you can't go out, or during those hot days in the summer when the air outside gets thick enough for cutting and all your aircons are busy to keep the indoor temperature below 30degC


And - it is helpful getting to the office in dry clothes.

[LittleD]

Hahaha, I already have a Chinese wife, but she's as un-materialistic as they come, so no worries there!

We do like to entertain friends and co-workers at our home in the states, but based on comments here, it seems very unusual to do that in HK. That is somewhat of a relief.

As a matter of fact, I was going to ask about entertaining guests at home in my original post, but I forgot to include it. You guys are pretty sharp!

[KnowItAll]

>> it seems very unusual to do that in HK

It is not VERY unusual. People do invite close friends and colleagues over, but that is not expected. If you work with a small team, it is always a good bonding experience.

[carang]

in 11+ years in HK, i can count on one hand the number of times we've been invited to another person's home.

Local people generally DO NOT entertain at home. This is because you can get middle management living in government housing which is TINY!!(hubby grew up with 5 people living in 250 square feet!)

Local people usually go out to entertain. This is also true of entertaining business colleagues from the mainland.

I think how much you entertain at home will depend on who you are working for and with.

besides, no one can tell you what is appropriate for you. only you and your wife will know the answer to that.

for me, i'd rather save the $$$ and use it to travel and see the rest of the world than to throw it away on rent!