Pok Fu Lam?

[ChitowntoHK]

We're considering moving to HK for a position at UHK. Is Pok Fu Lam a family-friendly area? We have a young son (2 years old). Is a 3 bedroom place for 12,000/month unrealistic expectations? We would need a furnished place (I think). Or would people advise unfurnished. Looking to stay about 3 years. We would like to keep the commute short, which is why we are considering Pok Fu Lam. Thanks for any advice!!

[Claire ex-ax]

If you mean the University of Hong Kong, the abbreviation used is HKU (just to get you in the local vernacular ).

No, you will not be able to get a 3-bed place in Pokfulam for $12K. One of the cheaper places in that area is Chi Fu Fa Yuen. It's an old estate (30+ years) and a 3-bed there, 692 sf gross, would probably be $16,000 pm, unfurnished (which is the norm here).

Otherwise, I reckon you'd be looking at $20,000+ pm for a 3-bed in that area.

[randy1]

12K not realistic - 20k-35K is more feasible (20k for an older style place, 30ish for a new place like Belchers).

[Satay Sue]

@ Claire I'd say even more than that. We couldn't see any 3 bedroom places for less than 40K a year ago. Rents do seem to be coming down so I'd say more like 30 now.

[hello_there]

With your budget, also look around Aberdeen and Wah Fu - still a reasonable commute to HKU and more affordable housing.

[ChitowntoHK]

Thanks for all the advice!

[Thelliand]

Common options which many HKU staff live in relatively closeby who don't qualify for university housing:

1. Chi Fu Fa Yuen (~16k, 700 sqft)
2. South Horizons (~20k, 900 sqft)
3. Belchers (~30k, 1000 sqft)
3. Baguio Villas (~35k, 1300 sqft)

Or check all smaller blocks West Mid-Levels - Babington Path, Bonham Road, Lyttelton Road etc. all walking distance to main campus, maybe around 25k for 900 sqft. If you're considering the 12k in the standard Assist Prof contract, the 12k housing allowance is only a contribution to housing - virtually everyone (unless they live alone) supplements more from their salary.

[dtb]

I did a quick check for you at Centanet and midland

12K per month for a 3 bedrooms is basically not exist. Your best bet is move it to a max of 20K and then you will have quite a few choice at Chi Fu Fa Yuen and South Horizon, which IMHO are nice estates with kids.

[Claire ex-ax]

There's also Pokfulam Gardens, more expensive than Chi Fu but could (?) be less than Baguio.

[bookblogger]

We're considering moving to HK for a position at UHK.

Surely you mean UHT?