Search for accomodation: budget 7~8k

[hkexpat_rw]

Hi all, been reading this forum faithfully for the past few weeks and it's been really helpful in answering a lot of my qns!

I'll be moving to HK in Aug and am looking for accomodation. Scanned through a number of threads so I've a fair idea of my needs. My budget's fairly tight (7-8k HKD) but from what I've gathered I should be able to find something given the depressed rental market.

I'm basically looking to live on HK island and have shortlisted the following areas:
1) Wanchai
2) Kennedy Town/Sheung Wan
3) Mid-Levels/Causeway Bay are lower on my list but still an option

Based on these locations, are there any recommendations for specific apartments/places? I'm not fussy between a condo/serviced apartment or a normal apartment (like those kind you see on HK drama serials).

In addition, is it possible/advisable to find a place without the use of an agent? ie contact owners directly on the forum.

Here are some further info:
1) Preferable to live alone
2) Looking for a studio/1BR (~450sqft)
3) Won't be cooking much so a kitchen is not impt, but at least a small stove to do some basic cooking/boiling water
4) An older place is fine, but if its recently renovated thats an added bonus
5) Availability of transport (tram/minibus/shuttle bus/MTR) to Central area (I work near HSBC)
6) Is it reasonable to expect laundry facilities (washer/dryer) in my apartment?

Thanks very much for the help, very much appreciated!

[sufei]

Hi,
My name is Sophy, I can give you some suggestions. If you want to find a place in the three loctions, with your budget, you can only find a very small old flat. Becasue the rental in the Hong Kong side is higher. If you want to find new flat with club house, your budget is impossibe. Maybe you need to find flat in the Kowloon side, near the MTR station.

[Boris]

I would advise Kennedy Town. There are a lot of properties here that meet you spec and we live in one ourselves for a lot less than your budget. OK, we don't have the MTR - yet, but there is so much Public transport the drops you off outside HSBC that should not be a concern in my view.

[Football16]

I would advise Kennedy Town. There are a lot of properties here that meet you spec and we live in one ourselves for a lot less than your budget. OK, we don't have the MTR - yet, but there is so much Public transport the drops you off outside HSBC that should not be a concern in my view.

Kennedy Town would definitely serve well.

Check out Tung Wah Properties - no agents fee and great, clean buildings, well maintained. Their many rental properties are owned by them - a private hospital. There is a stipulation that your monthly income has to be 3x's the rent.

http://www.tungwah.org.hk/?content=470

I am home working this afternoon and they have been scrubbing the suite next door - windows and even the metal door frame and they have just completed painting there. I assume a new tenant is about to arrive.