[AJZ]

We are absolutely ready to move from CC in TC and downsize a bit in the process. We are thinking of looking at places from GC to Sham Tseng.

I know several members live in the area and would like suggestions of buildings/estates to check out. (I have gone through previous similar threads but I would like to get a good range of buildings/estate to consider.)

Our basic needs are:

2 bedrooms
Good layout
Nicely equipped kitchen/bathroom (more Western than local HK)
Green view (preferred but will force ourselves to accept a sea view )
Good, reliable transport to Hong Kong Island
Buildings/flats not too on top of one another
Broadband/tv connections

If you want to say why a place is better than the others, please say so. But really we're just in the elimination stage - going for a general look-see at the area/building/estate - as we have a few months before we need to move.

Thanks for any help!

[jaykay]

Where is Skyhook? He's the man for the area!

[Mat]

I would recommend Aegean Coast (facing the sea behing the GoldCoast shopping mall) it is nicer and newer that the GC and fit your needs:

2 bedrooms, nicely equipped kitchen/bathroom (Western), Green view / sea view, with 100% reliable transport to Hong Kong Island (24h/24H) and Broadband/tv connections.

Throw in facilities as well (Gym, 2 pools, tennis, steam, sauna,....) and very friendly staffs...

You can get a 650 sqf (moutain view) for about 6.500 to 7.500 HKD (sea View would be slighlty higher 7.500 to 8.000)

OR

a 750 sqf (sea view) for about 8.500 to 9.500 HKD

There are also bigger flats available (3 Bedrooms...) for up to 1.200 sqf if not mistaken

[AJZ]

Mat, thanks for the info. It's on the list.

Does anyone else have other suggestions?

[Skyhook]

Hi AJZ,

Low density here will cost you much more than a high density block like The Aegean Coast,
which is not indifferent to todays Bellagio or Carribean Coast style high floor, wall of apartment blocks, ie low internal floor space efficiency as a net result.

Most if not all of the 3BR apartments in the Gold Coast residences have a gas oven equipped kitchen btw, as do most apartment blocks of around the same vintage ( 16 years ) near/around the GC residences.

As to my 2BR apartment knowledge, cant help you sorry, as we never looked at any when we were buying, and don't know anyone who rents one either.

The Aegean ( not coast of similar name), Aqua Blue, Hill Grove or Hillside ( all located on Tsing Fat Road ) are quite nice, much nicer than whats already been mentioned thus far, but I couldn't tell you how much they are to rent. Probably not all that cheap, but depends on what you are expecting to pay, they might well be within your budgetary requirements, info that you didn't specify during your original post.

I hear that Pearl island apartments are quite cheap to rent, if you want something a bit left of centre different, but interior design/condition is going to vary a lot. Palm Beach is not bad either, providing the apartment has been renovated within the last 5 years. Local rentals purchased for the purpose of renting out are, hmm, pretty bog standard.


You'll need to get out on the ground and spend a weekend looking at the various complexes in the area, then you'll have a better idea of whats out here, but

I won't sugar coat that life out here without a car will suck, but depends how socially active you are.

If you need an agent who handles the area, and who speaks fluent English, give Peggy Lau a call on 92772382 from Stately Home. It would be a good idea to email her a very specific itemised list of what you require after you make contact to save a bit of time.

[AJZ]

Thanks for the detailed response Skyhook; you know the area well.

Have you also looked at places in Sham Tseng? [Although I think the lack of public transport rules it out for us...]

[cerberus]

whatever you do, stay away from the Gold Coast. it's a sham. the units have no sound insulation, noise is unbelievable. Management is now mixing short term with regular lease tenants, as a result it's basically living in a hotel with a bunch of large families and you can imagine what this means. The leasing people are also very hostile once you start to inevitably complain. bottom line, not even an option.

Aegean Coast i'm not sure about, never lived there, just visited - it's the usual HK high rise experience, i suppose. if you're in the Tuen Mun area maybe look into village houses? they're much more affordable than in Sai Kung, let alone the island.