Living in Island Crest at Sai Ying Pun

Living in Hong Kong, we have come to expect a lot from our choice of neighborhoods. One of these neighborhoods that never disappoints, but rather, only gets better, is Sai Ying Pun. It is a progressive neighborhood that does not forget the origins of its past, with a perfect balance between old and new that pays homage to earlier days of cultural change and artistic pursuit.

A Colorful Past

Once known as the enclave of hippies, or rather bohemian creatives and experimental dwellers, this area was still under wraps for many years having been overlooked for potential development and left pretty much intact with older-style buildings, walk-ups, low rises, and a mish-mash of diverse residents. The rents were cheaper than other inner-city areas, and therefore with a gritty edge of originality and less conformed behavior, it became very popular with the artistic crowd. Local street stalls, food shops, printing and commercial trades, open-air fish and meat stands and fresh produce are all brightly displayed in the neighborhood with an air of thriving trade.

Over the years, the bohemian dwellers grew older and started to look for more home comforts, no longer satisfied to put up with leaking taps, bad plumbing and cramped quarters. Those that had good jobs started buying into the real estate and converting some of these older style dwellings into spacious and cool city pads. A few more adventurous pioneers started opening restaurants and cafes and over time the landscape progressed as the properties in the neighborhood began to be seen as a real estate investment.  . 

Time for Progress

Once there were plans to extend the island MTR to run from Sai Ying Pun to Kennedy Town, local developers suddenly took a keen interest in this little pocket of creative paradise and started buying up whole blocks marked for redevelopment. Whether you are taking your first real estate agency course or you are among the most famous real estate agents, everyone knew the potential this neighborhood had. 

These days Sai Ying Pun is still just as popular as ever as a neighborhood to live in, but more commonly instead of those with less fortunate financial situations, it has become the domain of the professional elite with bankers, lawyers, entrepreneurs, tv personalities and business owners all calling Sai Ying Pun home. They have the financial ability to live in top luxury homes in Hong Kong. To cater to the far wider range of and more discerning tastes of these new higher wealth residents, top restaurant chains started to open up, an escalator was put in to carry people to the top, and rent and property prices rose. First, Second, Third and High Streets became after-work and  weekend hangout places. There is great coffee, wonderful food, wine shops and delis, yet the area still manages to keep the wonderful vibe of this smaller village alive with a friendly and relaxed vibe.

High-rise developments started coming to completion offering ultra-modern luxury residential properties amongst the village atmosphere. It is very appealing to ex-pats living in Hong Kong, with open plan layouts, amazing resort-style facilities such as swimming pools, tennis courts and fitness centers.

Island Crest

One of these property developments is Island Crest. Built in 2009, this development consists of 2 modern 36 storey superior quality high-rise towers. They each have 7 apartments per floor with sizes ranging from 341-2184 sf saleable area. The interiors are light and contemporary with high-end fit-outs and services. All the apartments have balconies, most with great views out over the district and the China sea. There is a well-stocked Market Place supermarket downstairs and the Centre Street escalator is a 2-minute walk away. This is a truly convenient location with a very close walk to the Sai Ying Pun MTR station, bus lines, and an abundance of taxis always available.  Property agent in Hong Kong for more about this residential property. 

The deluxe clubhouse facilities include a fabulously designed outdoor swimming pool area, jacuzzi, landscaped gardens, BBQ area, gymnasium, sauna, mini theater and children’s playground.

Charming Village

Many new high-end residential buildings have sprung up in the area over the past 10 years, however to the credit of the various developers, Sai Ying Pun has managed to retain its charming village atmosphere and does not seem overdeveloped like other Hong Kong suburbs. Enough of the older low-rise buildings have been kept and restored and offer very spacious and special homes, some with wonderful rooftop terraces to take in the views. Let’s hope it stays this way.

Engel and Voelkers’ product portfolio ranges from elite homes, luxury mansions, premium residential properties, and other real estate for sale in Hong Kong. If you are interested in living in this area, do feel welcome to contact our team at Engel & Volkers (http://www.hongkongev.com) for more information and viewing.