SEARCHING FOR A PROPERTY

Once you get to Hong Kong and have decided where you want to live, the best resource for properties are the agents in the immediate neighbourhood of where you’re looking. They’ll know specific buildings in the area that other expats have liked and may be able to offer appropriate advice. Register your details with them and spell out exactly what you are looking for so they don’t waste your time by showing you properties way over your budget or something that doesn’t meet your criteria. Most residential apartments are measured in square feet and represent the gross floor area. This means that the area quoted will include external walls, the lift lobby, fire escapes and other common areas.

Details of properties available, market trends and statistics are published every Wednesday in the South China Morning Post; shared flats are also advertised in HK Magazine.

Relocation services

These days, many property agents and removals companies also offer relocation services. Relocation takes into account the whole spectrum of your family’s needs when moving abroad, such as:

• packing and shipping your goods;
• arranging viewing of potential properties at your destination;
• negotiating the lease;
• fixing up school viewing appointments; and
• offering face-to-face support once you get to Hong Kong.

Other benefits may include spouse support through complimentary memberships to international (women’s) clubs.

International relocation companies serving Hong Kong include Going-There (www.going-there.com) and Crown Relocations (www.crownrelo.com; tel. 2865 7972). A more personalized service is offered by Rehana Sheikh of Personalized Relocation Assistance (tel. 2891 8664/9105 0593).

Property agents and property websites

One of the most comprehensive websites for searching properties with different agents is www.gohome.com.hk, which lists rental properties of $4,000–50,000+. They also list properties for sale. Also visit hongkonghomes.com, hongkongpropertyman.com and http://www.hongkong.craigslist.org. For market trends, information on new property developments and lists of properties to buy and rent, visit the website of the Centaline Property Agency (www.centanet.com/ehome.htm).

Medium and high-end property agents dealing with properties with a rental from $30,000 per month includeSavills (www.savills.com.hk), Colliers (www.colliers.com), Jones Lang LaSalle (www.joneslanglasalle.com.hk) and Habitat Property (www.habitat-property.com).