Well just to let you all know. Its pretty much as you said...about 10%extra i reckon for a 6mnth lease. When i asked most agents to show me places that would do a 6mnth lease the lists were short and pretty unimpressive. I only got the guys who were desperate to rent and the reasons for that were instantly obvious. Far better is the approach of seeing the places first and not stating how long you wish to rent then trying to haggle on the lease period. It is then far harder though to bring the price down.
Having also met with a bunch of landlords it was a little disturbing how quick they were to offer up their place for sale when i gave the reason for my short term lease request. The apartments in Bel Air that have supposedly increased in value hugely were being offered at a tiny margin above where they had bought them.
So Freeier will pleased to know that i have seen the light. It seems to me that the gamble of buying in HK does not seem so good in the present climes. I have opted to pay the 18k rent and put 14k into a china property fund a month rather than buy the place and pay 32k on the 15 year mortgage a month.
Incidently i am VERY pleased with my place. Its small 775sq ft 2 bedroom but its Bel Air Phase one. The clubhouse and amenites have to be seen to be believed. Free shuttle to work, gym, squash courts, badminton, tennis, indoor, outdoor pools, sea view, park, cinemas, and a lot more.... I am amazed that they are finding it hard to fill these places... For those looking there...perhaps there was a chance i could of got the place for 17k...but i'm happy and the land lord is happy..i'll go with that...thanks for all your advice guys.