[portugabel]

hi to all,

just connected and logged in for the first as I will be moving in a few months to HK.
As I will be working in Wan Chai area, I would like to know what are the best places not too far (although can be further away if easy to commute with MTR) which would a nice place (1 to 2 bedrooms) to be around for a person my age (26-27). I also would love not be too far away from the water (water view would be great). Budget should be between HKD 20000 & 25000. Any advice, any ideas to share?

Thanks all for your answers,

Cheers

[portugabel]

hi again,

from what I have heard from most people, for a person my age working in Wanchai/Central, the best places to look for an apt are Midlevels or Central. Can somebody let me know nice places in those areas or other nice areas not far from those?

tks again,

and budget is still 20000-25000 !

[hello_there]

Best thing for you to do is set yourself up in a serviced apartment for a month while you look for places with real estate agents once you get to HK. There are so many different buildings, each with their own benefits, that its hard to point to just a couple. The good thing is that with your budget you will have some choice. I'm guessing that you want to stay on HK island. Some areas to look are Midlevels, WanChai, Happy Valley and Aberdeen. Midlevels East apartments will have a bit more greenery around, but are still quite close to WanChai.

You might also want to spend a little time looking at the types of places you can get in those areas on your budget on realtor's web sites. It might help you narrow down your search.

[Alby]

Ditto Hello_there advice

Geoexpat has too many post about people agreeing and signing a rental contract before they have arrived to actually survey the flat only to arrive and find out they don't have what they thought they agreed to.

Your budget will allow for to get something quite reasonable with space and within the parameters you have posted.

[stanc]

You can try The Zenith (http://www.thezenith.hk/), a new development at Wan Chai. I viewed several units there. High quality furnishings and good clubhouse. The lease market for this development just started and there is a large supply of units available for rent. 2 bedroom units are available between 20-25k (even 19k for lower floor units) for 650-680 sq ft. Would recommend Tower 2 as it exits to Queens Road East. Tower 3 exits to the open market (which is the main disadvantage of living at The Zenith).

20-25k should also get you a reasonable size 1 or 2 bedroom apartment at Mid Levels (eg. Bella Vista).

[portugabel]

Thanks for your answers.
Just coming back from a business trip to HK and definitely will try to find my apartment around Midelevels area.

Looks nice and easy to get anywhere. Will have a look at some of the buildings during my next trip.

Thanks again.

[portugabel]

Hi,

Could I know what average price is it at the Zenith Tower 2 for a 2-br apartment (high floor is better)?

Tx,

[stanc]

well, to give u an idea on scaling rent with height, an 18th floor 2BR (66x sqft) in tower 3 was asking about 19k, whilst another on the 33nd was asking 28k. For a quick idea on the facings, pop into hongkonghomes.com and search for zenith. Note that owners have just about now beginning to get their keys, so there may be a transient oversupply situation at the moment.

[wtbhotia]

dont move into any new building where owners are just getting the keys, most local owners will re-decorate the whole apartment even though the original decorations is nice or not. You will be stuck with construction noise for a few months, 6 days a week.

[timbuktu]

The Zenith is at a ultra convenient location right on the edge of the frenzy that is Wanchai but it is also a steep 15 min walk to Bowen road where the serenity completely contrast anything in the city. It is close to the MTR and has busese, minivans to link to beaches, shopping and the CBD. Right now is a good time for bargains as many apartments are coming onto the market. Generally new apartments will rent for 10-20% below market because of the initial oversupply. Renovation noise is ineveitable in old or new apartments when the property market is moving, which it is now, in fact there is generally more renovation in old apartments.