Living in Hong Kong Apartments

Old versus New – living in Hong Kong Apartments

One of the many great things about Hong Kong is the variety of homes and lifestyles that are available here for residents and newcomers to choose from.

Going back to the pre–Qing Dynasty days, most of Hong Kong was occupied by fishermen who set up small villages for their families seeking out a living by fishing the China Seas. Once the Qing Dynasty was defeated in the opium wars, and Hong Kong became a British colony, much building went on in both Kowloon side and Hong Kong Island to create this thriving and busy commercial and trading port city around the edges of Victoria Harbour.

Under British rule, the colonial workers engineered the waterways and road systems, and colonial era buildings both commercial and residential were built along the waterfronts and up into the hills. Rows of shops with living quarters above popped up and sprawling mansions were erected for the elite foreigners to escape some of Hong Kong's hot and humid weather. Some of these were lost when the Japanese invaded, but the biggest threat to the colonial buildings came during the 1970’s and 80’s. This was the time big property development came into play and many of these buildings and homes were torn down and replaced with the massive skyscrapers and high-rise residential developments. It is this development that reshaped Hong Kong into the dynamic, sparkling powerhouse city located around one of the world's most admired harbours that we know of today.

Preservation

Fortunately for Hong Kong, there was a wave of criticism that Hong Kong was ripping down its heritage. People like David Tang stepped in to embrace the era of colonialism with his famous Shanghai Tang store on Peddar Street and the opening of the globally famous and still much-loved China Club. Budding architects, city designers, private citizens and philanthropists stepped in to save what is left of the colonial day’s buildings and houses which are now protected and cherished. Small pockets of apartment buildings exist in some of the inner suburbs, and a handful were saved on the Peak areas.

All of this building and ripping down and re-building has given Hong Kong residents a wide choice of the type of home they wish to live in.

Apartment City

Hong Kong is an apartment city. Being some of the most expensive real estate in the world, smaller land parcels of mega high value are proportioned upwards by developers to get maximum returns on the space. This can create a building with several one-bedroom apartments on each floor and 40 odd stories high. In some of the outer city complexes there can be 2 or 50 buildings such as these in one development, with multi-shared resort style facilities.

Take Consideration Time

Things to consider: Hong Kong is unlike any other city in the world. It is a magnet for young workers who get reasonable salaries and enjoy social activities most nights. Few people entertain in their homes, and therefore a nod at a kitchen is considered highly respectful. Young expats tend to eat out most nights or get food delivered. Yes, you can have a swimming pool and gym on site. Chances are you will never need a car so that is a massive saving on purchase, running and insurance right there, and the MTR, buses and taxis are very reasonable.

To get your head around everything you thought you might need to what you will actually need is simply a lifestyle adjustment. The big decision always comes down to price. And when prices are some of the world’s highest, you realize that small can actually be good and a bit more affordable. A single person realises that one bedroom is more than enough, and family and visitors can either take the couch or stay at a hotel down the road. Two bedrooms or more is quite a luxury in the inner-city suburbs.

The New

Convenience, new technology, concierge facilities, no maintenance, swimming pool, fitness centre, club houses – all new residential apartment buildings are delivered equipped with all the facilities and amenities that you will ever need. Sparkling new kitchens and compact layouts can be mind assuring, and most of these Hong Kong apartments for sale are built with open views if not the harbour or hillside. The further up the tower you go will of course be more money out of your pocket, so setting a budget once you’ve had a good look around is a more sensible use of your time than presetting and then feeling miserable with what you are being shown. These developments will always be in an area that has supermarkets and amenities like dry cleaning, and most likely they will be close to restaurants, bars, nightlife as well as parks and gardens and fitness trails.

Some buildings to consider would be Centrestage on Hollywood Road, Arezzo and Azura on Seymour Road, 38 Caine and Gramercy, and The Pierre on Aberdeen St. Further out, look at new developments in Aberdeen, North Point, Causeway Bay and Quarry Bay.

The Old

Old can be split into two categories. Original old and ultra-renovated old.

Original old: this would be for the budget minded. You may find smaller windows and more than likely a walk up (no lift). However, you might also find some very high ceilings and if you can manage to negotiate with the landlord or do it yourself a lick of paint can make a big difference. If the kitchen is old and un-renovated, keep in mind that you will likely not use it that much. You can buy plug in appliances if there is no oven, or if the stove top is old, you can buy a new plug in at Japan Home Store. Check the hot water system. Most apartments in Hong Kong have the hot water on demand that you switch on before shower or bath. Make sure there is plenty of daylight coming in. In both winter and summer Hong Kong can be quite humid and mildew can be a problem. Check for air conditioning units and test that they work. Investing in a dehumidifier is a really smart decision no matter where you live. Be clever and use your imagination. If this apartment is in a convenient location, you can save yourself quite a lot of money.

You can find these buildings scattered all around the inner-city suburbs of Soho, Sheung Wan, Sai Ying Pun, Wanchai and Kennedy town. If you look further out at Causeway Bay, Quarry Bay and North Point, the prices come down further and you are still on the excellent MTR blue line.

Renovated old: these are often some of the best apartments to live in. With the older buildings you definitely get more ceiling height, which does make a big difference to a room. The renovated apartments often combined two bedrooms into one or increased living space with an open plan layout. You may have a lift or have to walk up. If you have to walk up, the higher levels, generally around floor 5 to 8, can be a little cheaper and often come with a wonderful rooftop garden or terrace. Some have had larger windows installed to bring in more daylight. These renovated buildings placed all over Hong Kong are mostly low and mid-rise buildings. Sometimes the entire building had a full makeover, and other times it’s been up to the individual owners to maintain and upgrade their investment.

Inner city areas, Sai Ying Pun, Kennedy Town, Sheung Wan, Mid Levels and Soho have some wonderful renovated apartments that suit the professional and working expat community. These areas are undoubtedly the most convenient for easy living with everything at your fingertips.

If you are looking for apartments for sale in Hong Kong, contact our real estate agents in Hong Kong at Engel & Volkers for more information and viewings of the luxury homes and apartments for sale and rental. Engel & Volkers’ product portfolio ranges from elite homes, luxury mansions, premium residential properties, and other real estate for sale in Hong Kong. We also provide information regarding the real estate market and housing market prices.

Find more at our website at https://www.hongkongev.com