Lamma Island or Discovery Bay

carang · 25-03-2012, 03:06 PM

well, if you are looking to get a car, then really... all of hk is open to you.

we have (as every regular contributor on here knows) an entire village house (2100', 1000' garden, 5 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, rooftop garden, balconies, 2 carparks) all for 20k/month.... BUT we live out in the boonies where a car is a must, not a luxury.

Raccon · 25-03-2012, 03:50 PM

Originally Posted by dougmal:

It's still preliminary, but we are assuming a housing budget of 15k-20k right now. Less would be nice, but i'm not sure how reasonable that is. Still unsure what kind of expenses to expect. It might go up as we start to get a clearer idea of our actual budget. As for how much space we need, it's hard to say since everything will be less than half our current home size. I'm thinking a 3 bdroom. We only really need 2, but i'm thinking an extra room might be good in such a small space.

More likely it will be 1/3 of your current place. A 2-bed room in HK means a small master bedroom and a tiny 2nd bedroom, typically in the area of 650-800sqf with a usable area of 500-600sqf (apartment sizes in HK are typically stated as gross and include a portion of the common areas like lobby etc.). So you will probably be looking at a three bedroom (850-1000sqf gross). In that case your proposed budget will be very tight if you want to stay on HK island.

I also suggest you come here first before deciding on an area or signing a lease; consider to stay in a serviced apartment for a month and take the time to look around.
Those high-rises might not appeal at first but they are usually more affordable and most include a clubhouse with pool, gym, playrooms etc., which could be nice for your kid and may save you a gym membership, too (if you are into that).

KeithHiew · 25-03-2012, 05:32 PM

Doug, I think everyone overpriced slightly on accommodation price 15k per person is slightly ludicrous IMHO, no offence to whoever suggested that- just from a personal standpoint. 15k-20k that came give you a very comfortable living standard in HK assuming you're not out to pamper yourself with such luxuries? Of course sky is the limit but within your budget you can already get a very decent place. I am currently paying between 10-15k for DB for a studio around 600sqf and that's a very good deal. Of course saying that I'm sinle and I guess I'm pricing in a little more for space for your kid as well. Living in HK generally is the single most expensive ticket here in HK and I guess my opinion is that if you can sa rice a little on premium living and spend more on your disposable income that can go a long way. Unless your wife's company is totally paying for the accommodation then go ahead sky is the limit

DB isn't a bad pick although it can get a little boring for single young adult like myself, I think it's ideal for a young family. Crime rate is low and there is a large community of expat to help the transition, for your I'd especially. Give me a PM if you need more info or just want to know more about the place. Glad to help.

The boys are right to advice, Never commit to anything until you see the place.

KeithHiew · 25-03-2012, 05:34 PM

Sorry for the autocorrect.

Satay Sue · 25-03-2012, 05:55 PM

Keith, OP asked about 3 bedrooms not a studio!

MovingIn07 · 25-03-2012, 06:01 PM

Mui wo (and the other villages on lantau) are good suggestions if you hate high rises. I loathe them - our solution was a boat. Your budget is borderline for a boat but you can check out the db marina just in case. We do have a sense of community in the marina, never seen it avywhere else in HK.

MovingIn07 · 25-03-2012, 06:02 PM

Edit ... How old is the kid? You might consider a school place first - its VERY hard to get a place here and where you live might end up being driven by that.

randy1 · 25-03-2012, 06:03 PM

Originally Posted by KeithHiew:

Doug, I think everyone overpriced slightly on accommodation price 15k per person is slightly ludicrous IMHO, no offence to whoever suggested that- just from a personal standpoint. 15k-20k that came give you a very comfortable living standard in HK assuming you're not out to pamper yourself with such luxuries? Of course sky is the limit but within your budget you can already get a very decent place. I am currently paying between 10-15k for DB for a studio around 600sqf and that's a very good deal. Of course saying that I'm sinle and I guess I'm pricing in a little more for space for your kid as well. Living in HK generally is the single most expensive ticket here in HK and I guess my opinion is that if you can sa rice a little on premium living and spend more on your disposable income that can go a long way. Unless your wife's company is totally paying for the accommodation then go ahead sky is the limit

DB isn't a bad pick although it can get a little boring for single young adult like myself, I think it's ideal for a young family. Crime rate is low and there is a large community of expat to help the transition, for your I'd especially. Give me a PM if you need more info or just want to know more about the place. Glad to help.

The boys are right to advice, Never commit to anything until you see the place.

15K per person is actually not a bad guideline - if you wanted a decent 3brm place in a good area, say 1200 sq ft, using that guideline would be around $45K, which is about right.

Keith - you are paying 15K for a 600 sqft studio. Doug needs prob a 3 brm place, with space for a child and dog, so using even what you are paying he needs prob 3 times the size...