House hunting: a good real estate agent can help new expats take the hassle out of searching for a home in Hong Kong

Stella Abraham is national director and head of residential leasing and relocation at JLL. She discusses the housing options that are available to expatriates who are new to Hong Kong.

What housing options are available, and which locations are there to consider?

There are a number of factors to think about. Proximity to work, your budget, and whether you want to be close to trendy bars and restaurants, or somewhere a little quieter, will have an impact on which neighbourhood you’ll want to make home. By asking yourself these questions, you can identify the non-negotiables in your search and the things you are willing to compromise on. Newcomers often gravitate to residential areas around Central, such as Mid-Levels, Sheung Wan and Sai Ying Pun, which are popular with young professionals and expatriates. If you don’t want to follow the crowd, but want to live in an equally trendy area, you should consider areas close to Star Street in Wan Chai and Cleveland Street in Causeway Bay. If you are looking for something quieter, look at the south side of Hong Kong Island next to beaches and nature. Rentals are slightly cheaper in Kowloon. The Kowloon station area is great for families, and convenient for getting to Hong Kong Island by MTR.

How much would a one-bedroom apartment cost to rent? What procedures are involved and how much commission will an estate agent ask for?

Approximate rental costs can vary greatly. Prices depend on the location, size and condition of the property, which floor the apartment is on and the view. Typically, you should be able to find a modern one-bedroom apartment in Central with clubhouse facilities for HK$25,000 to HK$40,000 per month. The normal agency fee is 50 per cent of one month’s rental. This is payable to the estate agent on signing a tenancy agreement. Other costs, excluding utilities, include the security deposit, typically two months’ rent; legal fees if you want to ask a lawyer to review your tenancy agreement; and stamp duty, which is 0.5 per cent of yearly rent, plus HK$5 for a two-year lease, and this is split between the landlord and the tenant.

How can relocation be made easier?