Looking for a place to share with roomies and tips on looking for a place to rent

amak · 29-11-2010, 08:11 PM

Hey guys,

I'm arriving in HK later this week and will pretty much be on the hot seat to look for a place as first priority. Just wondering if anyone got any tips on how to go about this?

I been browsing on Craigslist, but all the ads seem to be the same on the 'shared' section because every ad seem to have the same phone number and the description are cookie cutter. Anyone have much knowledge about the ads on Craigslist?

AS well, if anyone is reading this and needing a roomie, here are a bit of info about me. I'm 27 years old, male, and from Canada. I will be in HK for 6 months for work (maybe longer), pretty much at work everyday doing the Monday-FRiday 9-6 gig. I'm hoping to get into a living arrangement in which I'm sharing a place with at least 2 or more roomies, I like living with people and this has to do with me coming from a big family. I love playing and watching sports (hockey, baseball, American football) and if it's FRiday/Saturday night, damn rights I would be down on going out for food, drink, the bar/club or just the social gatherings.

glitterpetal723 · 29-11-2010, 08:24 PM

i've done the whole craigslist thing too. it's a few agents that list a ton of places their companies are renting and most of what i found barely resembled the pictures. if they are taking a picture of the fridge or something, RUN!! that means the place is so shitty they have nothing else to take a picture of.

i will be getting to hk late dec. down to meet new ppl!!

amak · 29-11-2010, 08:27 PM

Originally Posted by glitterpetal723:

i've done the whole craigslist thing too. it's a few agents that list a ton of places their companies are renting and most of what i found barely resembled the pictures. if they are taking a picture of the fridge or something, RUN!! that means the place is so shitty they have nothing else to take a picture of.

i will be getting to hk late dec. down to meet new ppl!!

For those Craigslists ads, are there actually roomies currently living there? and yeah, I noticed quite a few pics with just the fridge. How about the pictures that shows the actual room, any good? Please share more of your Craigslist experience. Thanks!

lwkei · 30-11-2010, 12:24 PM

I'm also moving to HK but won't be arriving until January. Will also be looking for roommates then if you still haven't found anything by that time. From what I understand, the flats in HK are so small, it'd be difficult for more than 2-3 people to share a single unit. Also, I hear that most landlords will not rent a 3 bedroom unit out to young professionals due to their transient lifestyle. Can anyone else verify this?

Char Siu King · 30-11-2010, 01:08 PM

Originally Posted by lwkei:

Also, I hear that most landlords will not rent a 3 bedroom unit out to young professionals due to their transient lifestyle.

You mean 3 young dudes making mad money working for a bank, getting loaded every weekend and picking up local chicks all the time for 'sleepovers'? Yeah, some landlords may not be into that, but depends how much you are willing to pay for rent.

glitterpetal723 · 30-11-2010, 09:49 PM

Originally Posted by amak:

For those Craigslists ads, are there actually roomies currently living there? and yeah, I noticed quite a few pics with just the fridge. How about the pictures that shows the actual room, any good? Please share more of your Craigslist experience. Thanks!

One place was basically like a hostel. People were in and out the whole time and the place stunk. The walls were unfinished and looked like Thanksgiving feast for termites happened the day before. I found that looking for an agent and having them help you look for a place is the best. I saw a few places I liked but the landlords couldn't wait for me because I'm coming in late Dec.

glitterpetal723 · 30-11-2010, 09:50 PM

Boy or girl? I am talking to a few people from geoexpat and we are gonna meet when we all get to hk. i'm trying to find at least one if not two roomies to share a three bedroom because it's the best deal and u get more space.

and i see you are in architecture. what firm? i will be working for aedas.

nlsk · 07-12-2010, 09:53 PM

I'm also looking to share a flat some time in near future. My timeline is a little more flexible as anytime between now and March would be good for me. If you guys are getting together to discuss any possibilities, mind if I join as well? If anything, it's always great just to meet new people and possibly make some new friends.

amak · 10-12-2010, 05:28 PM

Originally Posted by nlsk:

I'm also looking to share a flat some time in near future. My timeline is a little more flexible as anytime between now and March would be good for me. If you guys are getting together to discuss any possibilities, mind if I join as well? If anything, it's always great just to meet new people and possibly make some new friends.

Hey Nisk, absolutely! add me on Skype: aj.ck.mak

Im currently just subletting my cousin's place, but I'm not a fan of living by myself. So hoping to find a good situation on sharing with people my age. Are you in Hk rihgt now?

sylmtl · 13-12-2010, 02:02 AM

Hey guys, I'll be in HK from january to june to finish my m.arch at poly U, and I'm hoping to stay longer after for work, I hope I can meet anyone in HK who is interested in sharing a flat with me! (or really to hang out as I don't know anyone there yet) thanks, S.