Over the years, Sai Kung has been a magnetic attraction for city dwellers who love to hike, fish or sail. The area is known as the “Back Garden of Hong Kong”, a blend of rural tranquillity and urban vibrancy. The district stands out with its low-density residential developments and modern village houses that draw a continuous stream of residents and families moving into the neighbourhood. Given a limited supply of new residential properties in Sai Kung’s town centre area, the sale of Sino Land’s The Mediterranean in Tai Mong Tsai Road has attracted plenty of attention since its launch at the end of last year. Victor Tin, associate director of the sales department at Sino Land, says there was virtually no supply of new residential properties in the Sai Kung area over the past decade, so, once launched, The Mediterranean will become a focal point of the district. “As of June 9, a total of 119 units in the project were sold. Many are residents and end-users living in Sai Kung,” he says. The Mediterranean offers a low-density resort-style lifestyle, featuring 297 units in four towers. The flats come in a wide range of layouts, ranging from one-bedroom to four-bedroom units, plus special units, such as ones with a garden, rooftops and sky pools. Tin says the project is complete with a luxurious clubhouse, which has a 45-metre swimming pool, jogging trail and horticultural amenities, plus complimentary limousine service to Hang Hau MTR station. It is just a few minutes’ walk to the Waterfront Park, an alfresco seafood dining street and the Hong Kong Academy international school. The sale of new residential projects is certain to draw buyers’ attention. Many local families are especially keen to purchase villas or village houses in Sai Kung. Expatriates mostly love to rent out properties there Sam Chan, manager of Marina Cove branch at Statelyhome With a long and varied coastline, largely rural character and outstanding scenery, Sai Kung is one of Hong Kong’s most attractive areas. Sai Kung town has grown rapidly over the decades, with more and more locals and expatriates moving into the area, drawn by its natural beauty and recreational features. The government is trying to strike a balance between residential developments and protecting important natural features in order to address housing needs, and meeting recreational demands. As far as public transport goes, Sai Kung is mainly served by buses, public light buses and green minibuses. Low-density residential properties are concentrated in Sai Kung town. There are a number of villas and residences scattered along main thoroughfares, such as Sai Sha Road, Hiram’s Highway and Clear Water Bay Road, plus a string of village houses along the long winding Tai Mong Tsai Road on the coastline from Sai Kung town to Pak Tam Chung next to the country park. Another major residential project coming up for sale will be New World Development’s Mount Pavilia in Clear Water Bay Road, next to the University of Science and Technology campus. It will provide 680 large luxury flats, especially three-bedroom and four-bedroom units. Smaller projects include Chinachem Group’s two villas at No 20 and 22 Pik Sha Road, and Serenity Peak comprising four houses at Serenity Path, and Stanhope Holdings’ The Woods with six houses in Pak Shek Wo. Sam Chan, manager of Marina Cove branch at Statelyhome, says the sale of The Mediterranean has gone quite well despite a subdued market, with standard units selling for more than HK$10,000 per square foot. A sky pool special unit fetched in excess of HK$20,000 per square foot. Chan says low-rise residences and villas are the most sought-after properties in Sai Kung as many people look for quality accommodation, open space and tranquillity. “The sale of new residential projects is certain to draw buyers’ attention and to enliven the market,” he says. “Many local families are especially keen to purchase villas or village houses in Sai Kung. On the other hand, expatriates mostly love to rent out properties there.” Sino Land has another new low-density residential development at Sai Kung Tuk coming up for sale, providing more than 280 units. The project is expected to launch later this year. The developer is also working on a luxury development at Tui Min Hoi on Sai Kung waterfront a that will offer exclusive ocean view apartments and houses. Carrie Yeung, sales and marketing manager for Sai Kung at Midland Realty, says there has been a growing number of young people who have moved to Sai Kung in recent years, attracted by low-density apartments and village houses. Besides locals and expatriates, she says mainland buyers are active players in Sai Kung, and they are interested in luxury houses with amazing sea views. New residential supply will remain limited in Sai Kung. Sun Hung Kai Properties is seeking Town Planning Board approval for plans to redevelop a site at the junction of Mei Yuen Street and Wai Man Road, opposite Hong Kong Academy, into a 769-unit residential project. If approved, this will be the only major supply in Sai Kung in the coming years.