HK$80K budget- recommendations where to live?

[mango2012]

Thanks to all!

One thing I am a little confused is the different reactions I see from different people. Some say that HK$80,000/month is sufficient, while others say that it's nothing??

I guess it all comes down to relativity.

Well, pool is a wish more than a must, so we are open to buildings without a pool, since we can always become a member of one of the sports club where there is a pool.

We have been looking around on the internet around McDonnel rd, Bowen and Kenny rd. Any recommended buildings around these rds?

Thanks!

[mango2012]

Gee only $80k pm for housing! The company didn't get you a relocation agent to go with that? Sounds tough...

Hey big panda,

What would you suggest a reasonable budget for a 3 or 4 bedroom around mid-levels? If this is too low, will see whether we can negotiate with the company. But I hear that rentals are going down 15-20% in HK... do you already see this effect?

thanks

[Mat]

Hey big panda,

What would you suggest a reasonable budget for a 3 or 4 bedroom around mid-levels? If this is too low, will see whether we can negotiate with the company. But I hear that rentals are going down 15-20% in HK... do you already see this effect?

thanks

80k for a couple wo kids is plenty, no issue on that front.

Why 4 bedrooms if u are only 2 ppl? 3 should be enough unless u are expecting babies o course.

Most newer properties in Midlevels are walking distance to central (downhill), u might take the bus/cab to go back though depending on where u work.

Is ur work place in Central or Admiralty?


If Admiralty u might want to look at Kennedy Road above the HK park.

[mango2012]

80k for a couple wo kids is plenty, no issue on that front.

Why 4 bedrooms if u are only 2 ppl? 3 should be enough unless u are expecting babies o course.

Most newer properties in Midlevels are walking distance to central (downhill), u might take the bus/cab to go back though depending on where u work.

Is ur work place in Central or Admiralty?


If Admiralty u might want to look at Kennedy Road above the HK park.

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4 BR is a wish, since we have many friends and family always visiting us, and we hope to start a family too. But 3 should be fine to start and then we can always move, when the family grows.

Work place is close to Admiralty, close by the Shangri-la hotel.

Thanks

[HowardCoombs]

Are there any of new builds on StarStreet (Starcrest, Monmouth, #1 etc) big enough to suit the requirements? Certainly cant beat the location but I'm not certain of the sizes.

[MovingIn07]

Thanks to all!

One thing I am a little confused is the different reactions I see from different people. Some say that HK$80,000/month is sufficient, while others say that it's nothing??

I guess it all comes down to relativity.

Well, pool is a wish more than a must, so we are open to buildings without a pool, since we can always become a member of one of the sports club where there is a pool.

We have been looking around on the internet around McDonnel rd, Bowen and Kenny rd. Any recommended buildings around these rds?

Thanks!

80k for accommodation is huge unless you are a CEO or a high flying investment banker, in which case it's fairly low. You will get sarcasm on here because plenty of expats in HK earn A LOT less than 80k as their total comp.

[virago]

The average wage in HK is around $20k a month and that doesn't include accommodation budget so of course you will get start comments from many people.

[Mat]

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4 BR is a wish, since we have many friends and family always visiting us, and we hope to start a family too. But 3 should be fine to start and then we can always move, when the family grows.

Work place is close to Admiralty, close by the Shangri-la hotel.

Thanks

Then look for a place (if you want to walk) close to HK Park (nice walk to work) and avoid Robinson Road area since it isn't that close (it's not far but it's not as close and convenient as near the HK Park).

Look around Kennedy Road as I mentionned. The only "downside" will be that there are not so many groceries in the area but you have plenty in Admiralty so you can buy after work and bring home.


Other suggestion is the Star Street area in Wanchai, although to me it feel more congested than the other area I mentionned before.

You are most likely to find a 3 bedrooms + helper room on that budget. 4 Bedrooms are relatively rare in HK.

[dipper]

One thing I am a little confused is the different reactions I see from different people. Some say that HK$80,000/month is sufficient, while others say that it's nothing??

I guess it all comes down to relativity.

Its post the census statistics time again!

Monthly Domestic Household Income (HK$) 2006

Income (HK$) % of total
< 2,000 / 3.9%
2,000 - 3,999 / 5.3%
4,000 - 5,999 / 5.5%
6,000 - 7,999 / 6.6%
8,000 - 9,999 / 6.6%
10,000 - 14,999 / 15.2%
15,000 - 19,999 / 12.5%
20,000 - 24,999 / 10.1%
25,000 - 29,999 / 7.3%
30,000 - 39,999 / 9.9%
40,000 - 59,999 / 8.7%
>=60,000 / 8.3%

The people saying that you'll struggle are being sarcastic (or are selling something).
If the 80k was your total family income it would put you in the top 5% ish of highest income earners in Hong Kong. Given that its only your housing allowance and you don't even have kids you're not going to have any problem finding accommodation anywhere you like. Good on you, don't worry and just come on over and take your pick of places.

If it was me I'd be asking my company if I can bank half my housing allowance if I don't spend it or whether I can use my allowance to buy a place rather than waste such a ridiculous amount of money on rent, but I'm a cheapskate.

[Satay Sue]

@Mango2012: Lucky you, you should be able to get something really nice.
I'll give my usual advice though, don't commit to anything until you've been here and checked it in person!