Originally Posted by KyoPo:
I've heard you've to pay for the clubhouse facilities from the agent. Though it does sound ridiculous to me.
Thanks bdw, btw!
Anyhow, I spent a few hours looking into the following apartments near Olympic station:
Metro Harbour View:
- Asking price is between 11500 (mid-floor 15th, dirty, unfurnished) to 14800 (fully furnished, but high floor - 40th)
- Two small bedrooms (one of the room you can't even put a twin bed, but single!) appliances are a bit old though it really depends on how previous tenants managed to use them with great care.
- Buildings are mostly 8 years old.
- I honestly felt this place is VERY inconvenient as you probably have to walk for at least around 20 minutes to nearby MTR station (correct me if I'm wrong)
- There's almost no good views no matter how high you reside.
- Extremely small balcony. You have to really watch out for your privacy cuz when I checked out the mini-balconies (some suites have two) I can see the next suite's living room. So no hotchy-kotchy without proper curtains or blinds! (forget about sheer curtains!)
- Clubhouse facilities are okay, but not really appealing.
- The watch(wo)man seem to have a hard time communicating with foreigners. There's a foreign lady got super pissed of one of the watchwoman, claiming that she was being rude to her and made a HUGE scene. Though I really thought it's all about miscommunication, oh well.
- If you want to walk through the passage bridge to the Mall entrance, it's gonna be a hot, sweaty journey as it's not covered as compared to the ones closer to the Olympic Mall.
The Hermitage
- Super fancy, bling-bling decor everywhere as everywhere looks golden but too flashy for my taste! (I almost thought I was in Dubai, seriously). The agent told me that the design has to do with aiming for mainland Chinese buyers, so it's no wonder.
- Since I'm looking to live all by myself, I only viewed a few studios with this one. VERY high ceiling but VERY small space (mostly 499 s.f.).
- Extremely secured building, and the security seems to do a good job of making sure all the guests are legit.
- Clubhouse is very fancy but I've heard they haven't built them all yet. It has to do with the slow sales and it might be back on track soon. Most facilities are free of charge because of this.
- Now, when it comes to appliances, I have to say this one is top-notch. From shower to kitchen appliances are brandnew (of course as it completed just this March). For sure you'll be the first tenant so that's all good. That's what I really like about this place.
- VERY VERY high ceiling! One of the highlight of this place!
- The downside is the layout again. Even though they have nice kitchen wares, but they "split" them into two different areas! The oven, fridge, washer, etc... are on one side of the wall and right across from it, there's water tub for washing! One of the most ridiculous layout I've ever seen!
- Lastly, of course the price, it ain't cheap as it cost roughly between 16000 (12 floor) to 19000 (19th) just for 399 square feet (non-negotiated price). The building is also one of the tallest of this area as the highest floor is 80th!
- Location wise, it's not that bad as it's closer to phase 3 of Olympic Mall. The shops are better as compared to phase 2 and 1. Though the walking distance might take 10 minutes to Olympic MTR. Since everything is airconditioned, the walk isn't entirely torturing.
Island Harbourview
- This is the place that I love the most among the three. Location wise, size, price, everything seems right to me.
- The best part of this apartment, though it has already been 10 years old, doesn't look that old to begin with! (the lobby, concierge, pool, and layout)
- It's one of the closest to MTR as it only takes 5 minutes walk to "get to" the inside of the station.
- The view is marvelous. I mean you don't get oceanview with the price that i quote: 17000 (27th floor) 17800 (29th floor) but you at least get the indoor swimming pool view. I thought it look quite lovely at night.
- The layout seems quite well-planned, and all two bedroom suites. Though one of the room is still rather small but not as small as compared to MHV. Appliances are satisfactory. The windows are wide enough and there's a small countertop where you can put stuff on it, perfect to put a bed right next to it.
- I still feel it's a little expensive to rent for a 609 sq ft. Though I might still give this place a shot.
- Didn't visit the clubhouse but the pool seems really nice (outdoor).
- The best part of this building is that it's quiet. Since most major streets are far away from the building of this area.
Anyhow, that's it for now. I'll gonna checkout CWB tomorrow!
Oh btw, I still haven't negotiated with the above pricing, but most agents told me that they can reduce "few" hundred bucks (500 max), which I felt pointless. (By the way, how much will the agent lower the rent based on your past experience? Tips needed)
Hopefully this will help others who're planning to rent in these areas.