[AlexLim]

We are intending to move to HK due to a job opportunity and in the process of understanding the costs of housing in HK.

We are looking for a 1000-1200 sf apartment (serviced or furnished) for a family of 4 (2 Adults and 2 school going children), preferably on HK island, with easy transportation and access to amenities.

Would appreciate any advice on the expected rental costs.

[HKFella]

Obviously not exactly wildly enthusiastic about the move, going by the smilie chosen!!

Most people asking that kind of question on these forums have been pointed towards gohome.com.hk. Not a bad way to get a general idea, though I hear bait'n'switch isn't uncommon on that site.

[KnowItAll]

Its not as much an issue with the site as it is with the estate agents that list on there. Bait and switch tactics are common with real estate folks.

Gohome will give you an average idea of what you're into.

For 1000 sq ft you're looking at HK$ 12-50/sq ft, depending on the location. (Yeah, I know thats not helpful... )

[AlexLim]

We are in the final stages of negotiating the salary package and would like to get some advice about some other issues about moving to HK.

a) We would like to find out if we could bring our domestic helper from Singapore to HK. If possible, what are the procedures?

b) I seem to have read from other threads that if we get our rental apartment from an agent, we need to pay the agent 1/2 month rental as commission. Can someone confirm this ?

Thanks,

[KnowItAll]

>> we need to pay the agent 1/2 month rental as commission

Yes, this is true. However, you can try to negotiate a fixed price.

>> what are the procedures?

Depends on her nationality.

[AlexLim]

>> Depends on her nationality

We are considering bringing our current maid, who is Indonesian.

[KnowItAll]

Indonesian might be an issue as the contracts have to be approved by the Indonesian embassy -- who are extremely difficult to deal with, unless you're an Indonesian national or an agent.

Go figure...

Try emailing them on kjrihkg@netvigator.com and ask them what the process is. Their website is on ( http://www.kjrihkg.org.hk/ ) if you need more information.

[AlexLim]

Thanks for all the help so far. I will go check it out with the embassy. Worse come to worse maybe I can get the local (HK) agent to make the arrangement.

Another question if anyone could advise:-

Are spouse able to get a job in HK with the husbands work VISA?

Is it very difficult for her to find a job in HK after settling down in a few months time? She is a statistician by training

[KnowItAll]

>> to get a job in HK with the husbands work VISA?

No. Dependants are no longer allowed to work. A seperate application will have to be made to immigration seeking permission for her to work and will have to be sponsored by an employer.