LARGE FLATS ARE A RARITY in Hong Kong and are much valued, given the scarcity of land. Beginning at the border of the high-density commercial district of Tsim Sha Tsui East, parts of Chatham Road are characterised by many larger-sized flats much favoured by Indian and Pakistani residents.
It is a Hong Kong tradition that certain residential districts have become dominated by different ethnic-groups over the generations. In these areas, immigrants have built their nests close to their families, relatives and friends from back home.
Just as North Point and Western districts are known to be favoured by the Hokkiens and the Chui Chow people respectively, Chatham Road is seeing an increasing number of Indians and Pakistanis moving to the area, according to property agents.
'Since 1997, there are more Indians and Pakistanis moving in because they like the spaciousness of large flats which you don't get in other places in Tsim Sha Tsui East,' said Aiman Lau, a branch manager at Centaline Property Agency.
Compared with Mody and Austin roads, the units on Chatham Road were preferred because of the quieter living environment and more generous size, said Mr Lau.
'There is not much residential supply on Nathan Road and the environment is noisier and more complicated compared to Chatham Road South, which is a better place to live,' said Mr Chan.
