Relocating to Hong Kong for a year, bachelor pad required for <12k

[Nevermore]

Hey! First post

I'm 23, and moving to HK in June this year for a one year assignment (may/may not stay longer). My office is going to be in the Central Business District and I'm looking for a nice place to stay which is either close to office or well connected. Not too fussed about staying on the island. My package is about 30k a month gross, so I'm keen to keep my rent below 10-12k a month. My priorities in selecting accommodation are -

- Close to work (i.e. on the island) or well connected by public transport
- Shouldn't be a really tiny place. I think 300-400 sq ft would be a minimum.
- Shouldn't be too far out. Definitely going to party on the weekends
- Not fussed about the presence/size of the kitchen

Given this background, what neighbourhoods do you recommend looking at? I'm probably going to make a trip to HK next month to get a feel of the place and fix up my apartment, so want to short list areas to look in. I'm also a fitness freak so having a good gym in the neighbourhood will be a massive plus!

Also, which are the best agencies I should contact? I've checked out spacious.hk but most of what they had was disappointing

Thanks!

[thegame181]

Find an real estate agency when you get here. My friend got a place for 12K in Sheung Wan but it is a walk up building with no elevator.

[jessicaLiao]

I am in a similar situation with you but started two months earlier...

Try
http://hongkong.craigslist.hk/apa/
http://hongkong.kijiji.com.hk/f-Prop...t-W0QQCatIdZ11

I found my place here. You need to pay the agent fee equivalent to half month rent so I tried to get in touch with the landlord directly.

[almondize]

This forum was really helpful in making me understand that I need to work with an agent on the ground to find a place, so forwarding on that advice I used Pat from Rich Harvest to get my place in Sheung Wan. Sheung Wan is a great neighbourhood and for about 12K you should be able to find something in the older buildings, especially if a kitchen isn't too important to you (it was really important for me and I pay more for having one).

Sheung Wan is just 1 MTR stop away from Central, about 10-12 Min walk to the main clubs in Lan Kwai Fong, and a very charming neighbourhood. I saw about 20 apartments with different real estate agents before finalizing this one with Pat so give yourself enough time to find a place (and an agent) that makes sense for you.

Have you also considered a flat share? Might be able to find something great for that amount if you're sharing a place with others.