Family move from UK to HK; where to begin...

[NewExpatLife]

Hi all,

My partner has been offered a long term assignment in the north of HK for 3-5yrs. As a result, the family are looking to relocate. I have two kids aged 11 and 3 and a medium/large gundog. (I will have to go to court for the eldest, but that is another topic!) Due to the legal issues, the family will have to remain in the UK until they are concluded, but my partner will start work in July.

Can anyone advise where British expat seem to reside? I seems to be going round and round in circles. I also have a medium/large dog so need to be able to walk him in a park.

Another topic is on schooling - I'd like British International Schools for them both. Any recommendations for schooling? The Harrow is full and I'm not sure we want to live that far West. In particular, anyone's children go to Nord Anglia??

[Hkemail888]

Kellet?

[ByeByeEngland]

When you say N HK which area exactly? And is it a requirement to live among British expats or just a nice to have?

[shri]

What will the housing allowance be? Will the kids education be subsidised or covered? Who takes priority on the commute - kids or parents or dog to the park? Factors to consider when figuring out where you will live and the kids will go to school.

Many folks focus on getting the kids a place in school and then finding a compromise in terms of where they want to stay.

Brits all over town .. of all ethnicities & demographics - no ghettos as such for Brits.

Good part is the spouse comes in a little bit early and fhey can explore the options.

[saltywetman]

How far north? There's Yuen Long and Fairview Park and Palm Springs which have houses and space for a dog. Hong Lok Yuen is similar but further south in Tai Po. Village houses and developments along Ting Kok Road, Tai Mei Tuk are options.

Some schools in the New Territories: ICHK (Primary and Secondary), Malvern College, Sha Tin College and Junior School.

I think budget and expectations are necessary for better suggestions.

[Beanieskis]

Kellett is a British international school that starts at Reception year, with an excellent reputation. When does your 3yo turn 4?

For family homes and suitable for dogs you could look at Clear Water Bay, lots of Kellett children living there.

*Also, you describe your partner as your partner rather than spouse. In HK you need to be legally married to get a dependant visa. I don't know the rules for step-children (which I am assuming is the relationship between your partner and your oldest) but I think if you are married it's not an issue, but if you're not then your partner would need to be their legal guardian? Best discuss with your lawyer, maybe you're already doing this. Both children will need dependant visas in order to go to school in HK. You will too in order to live here, unless you get a job with visa sponsorship on your own right.

*Assuming that you are not already HK residents.

[NewExpatLife]

Hi everyone, thanks for replies…
Couldn’t get into Harrow or Kellett so Nord Anglia is the one we have gone with. Now looking over to Clearwater Bay Area. Budget 60-80k.
@Beanieskis you have raised a very good point ref dependent visa - we are not married and you are correct that my daughter is his step daughter. Funny that the immigration people have not picked this up…

[ByeByeEngland]

You should be able to get something entirely suitable in that price range. Definitely get a short term serviced apartment and spend a couple of months looking for yourself. I did 6 years in Ha Yeung Village and would have still been there now if it wasn’t for a greedy landlord (not that I’m disappointed with where I have ended up near Sai Kung). Sheung Sze Wan has a large expat contingent but there are plenty of decent villages between Silverstrand and Clearwater Bay.

As an alternative have a look at Mount Pavillia. I have a friend moved in a while back and they are delighted with the facilities there.

[chuckster007]

Now looking over to Clearwater Bay Area. Budget 60-80k.

Wow for that budget, you can easily get a whole village house 2100 sq/ft (3 floors) and hopefully a nice garden plus car park space. You'll definitely need a car for some of the villages in Clear water bay and they could be a long up n down walk from the nearest main road. I did 11 years in Mang Kung Uk in clear water bay.

[NewExpatLife]

Thanks @ByeByeEngland - can’t get into Mt Pavilia due to the dog. It does look rather up my street other than that!!