Aussie Family moving in January - Where to live?

[ytytyt]

Have 3 kids who will all be going to the Australian International School in Kowloon Tong.
Husband will be working in Central.
Wife wont work initially.
Have been scouring rental sites online and forums for information.

These forums are great - thank you to everyone who takes the time to respond - have learnt a lot from browsing through various threads.

We dont really want to live around midlevels etc - want to be a bit away from the crowds for the sake of the kids (14 y/o, 12 and 10 - all are active and sporty), but dont want to be too far either.

Want clubhouse facilities if possible.

Have seen Mount Beacon and 1 Beacon Hill in Kowloon Tong which look great and are near the school - and the commute to Central doesnt seem too bad.

Have also seen places in Homantin which look good.

But have also seen places at Pokfulam which look great in terms of no crowds/sea views/ holiday vibe etc.
But worried its too far from the school for the kids.

Have about 70k-80k max to spend.
Need at least 3 bedroom.
an outdoor area would be great.

Will get a car eventually

Does anyone have any advice.

Anything would be much appreciated.

Have heard a lot about rents dropping recently - but not necessarily the advertised rent.
If we have 70-80k to spend, should we be looking at apartments that are advertised 90k or higher? or are we kidding ourselves?

Thanks!

[gilleshk]

From what you said, I think you should forget about Hong Kong Island. The Kowloon Tong area is quite nice and it would be close to your kids, if you find a nice development, you'll have nice clubhouse facilities and there are a few private clubs near there too. It's also an easy commute to central on the MTR. You'll also get more for your money.

You can certainly look at flats that are at least 20% above your budget. Once you get here, you can make offers and then you'll see what happens. The worst that can happen is they'll say no. Remember that agents get commission from the rent so they have no incentive to get you a reduced price except to make sure that you sign...

[ytytyt]

Thanks Gilles - much appreciated.
It is so helpful to post a question and get a response immediately.
Amazing.

Another question - (maybe I should post it as another thread?).
Any idea what the situation is with junior rugby in HK?
The two boys are desperate to know if there is a competition?

I think I will post it as another thread to see what happens.

Thanks again for your response!

[gilleshk]

There's plenty of rugby opportunities for young boys(and adults). There should be some in the school although the Rugby powerhouse is(or was maybe) at West Island school. The Hong Kong Football Club also has a good rugby programs for kids and I believe you don't need to be a member.

[minhk]

The apartments at Olympic station/Kowloon station would suit your budget and is conveniently located for both Central and Kowloon Tong. 70-80K will get you at least 1200 sq feet.

[ytytyt]

Thank you very much

[wtbhotia]

definitely go to kowloon tong and visit the agents there, for your price range you can get a massive house, a mate of mine is living there and he pays about 20-25K for a 3 bedroom (1000sq/ft) flat on the 1st floor.
As the rents are dropping you will find loads of good deals.

[ytytyt]

thanks for that - sounds promising

[kumitag]

Hi,

I am an Aussie and have lived here for four years. Your kids will def need the outdoor life. I agree - K Tong is ideal - and Kowloon is great. Most expats go to Mid-Levels but it is totally unnecessary, not really Hong Kong and there is so much to do in Kowloon and New Territores. There is a good mall at Kowloon Tong and great cheap shopping in Mong Kok and Sham Shio Po and more...I am a Kowloon convert (I live in Hung Hom).

Your budget is huge! Don't worry at all.

You are welcome to contact me when you get there - I know what it's loke to move here and do a lot yourself (you'll be settling the kids in and sorting out logistics while your husband works, right?) - and can help you out with anything. I'll figure out how to send you a personal message.

All the best.

[Lips]

It's a bit further away but it seems like you would quite like it in Floral Villas or Marina Cove in Sai Kung