Hi Everyone
I am moving to HK in mid March for a new role in Central with a bank (1 month serviced apartment). I have read extensively this forum and I understand the the importance of being on the ground and not to rely too much on web portals for apartments.
Hoping you kind helpful people with local expertise could give me some good tips on which areas to focus on. Aim is to have a shortlist for HK Day 1.
My criteria
Budget:
Ideal Target 40k (working on a window of 35k to 45k)
Size:
2 beds, Me + Wife - both mid-30s + guest room - no kids at moment or on the ST horizon.
Aiming for 90 sqm/900 sqft
Location:
Easy commute to work (i.e. 30min - MRT preference but not a must)
She isn't working so I want a place that allows her to be out and about and join me easily in town. She is Japanese so potentially offers access to Japanese amenities would be a plus.
Looking to get a dog which might be a key location factor.
Lifestyle:
We both looking for that "perfect combo" of quiet residential area with access to centre on a whim. In my mind that would be something with forest/mountain/sea view - not urban jungle. Home is a place to relax.
For the former Londoners - I used to Live Notting Hill / Maida Vale type areas - they have a quiet village feel with nice local amenities, restaurants, not so hectic pace and close to Hyde Park for some green etc... Yet easy to get a little action on a whim by taking a cab/tube.
The quiet / Mountain / sea view criteria has led me to focus on buildings which are on the edge of the city (sea front - Kennedy / Mountain view - top of mid levels facing peak) But then again I have no insight on those neighbourhoods. I saw a number of people recommend TKO and additionally Pokfulam/Happy Valley have come up often on my property web searches (not convinced about Pokfulam location and HV flats seem to offer more space for money so maybe there is a catch - see link further down)
Style wise -
modern clean unfussy
(Bad taste seems to be the rigueur in many flats in HK with horrendous marble and 70s retro chick)
I have found this agents website and these properties that give a good idea of what I am drawn to.
Happy Valley Property:
https://goo.gl/aFWevV
Agent website:
http://nest-property.com/
Agent
My company has shortlisted 3 agents for me to choose from: Savills, Colliers Home and Hong Kong Homes.
+ side discount on agent fee (25% only)
- side maybe not the best agent on the ground/target area
Any thoughts on which one you would chose?
The forum often states to use agents with specific local area expertise.
Thank you in advance!
C