Choosing where to live in Hong Kong isn’t as easy as just picking the neighbourhood you like best! There’s a range of accommodation options available, from high-rise apartments to landed houses. We’ve listed nine of the most popular types here. Since most expats sign up for a two-year lease, it’s worth taking time to nail down your best option.
Accommodation Options in Hong Kong
High-Rise
These complexes can be very modern, with high-spec kitchens and bathrooms and a wide range of amenities – concierge services, pools, gyms, retail and restaurants. Older blocks are often more spacious, with more storage and bigger balconies but fewer facilities. Large complexes generally have reputable corporate landlords – so, reliable, hassle free maintenance. They’re usually convenient for commuters, too – close to MTRs or providing private school buses and shuttles.
Snapshot of a typical high-rise:
Size: 900 square feet, 3 bedrooms
Areas: Hong Kong Island, Kowloon, New Territories, Lantau
Low-rise / Mid-rise
Don’t fancy living 20 floors up, or in the same tower as hundreds of other people? Units in low-rise or mid-rise apartment buildings are typically on the 12th floor or below and are often more space-efficient. And, what you lose in facilities and amenities, you may make up for in the sense of community that is fostered in many lower-rise properties and neighbourhoods.
Snapshot of a typical low- or mid-rise:
Size: 1,000 square feet, 3 bedrooms
Areas: Upper Happy Valley, Jardine’s Lookout, Sai Ying Pun, Kowloon Tong, Ho Man Tin, Discovery Bay
Duplexes
Duplexes are typically spread across two floors in an apartment block; so, all the advantages of living in a high-rise complex apply but with the added bonus of more space! They enjoy rare high ceilings and their multi-floor layout can suit those looking for separation of living and sleeping spaces. Duplexes are ideal for young professionals, couples and small families.
Snapshot of a typical duplex:
Size: 3,000 square feet, 4-5 bedrooms
Areas: Mid-Levels, Repulse Bay, Wan Chai
Needle Towers
With only one apartment per floor, it’s easy to see how needle towers got their name! These homes offer high-rise living with the potential for 360-degree views, but without the on-site amenities you might find in larger complexes. Needle towers range from older buildings to more modern, boutique developments.
Snapshot of a typical needle tower:
Size: 300 square feet (studio) / 1,000 square feet (3 bedrooms)
Area: Mid-Levels, Kennedy Town, Sai Ying Pun, Wan Chai
Tong Lau / Walk-ups
Many of Hong Kong’s older street-side residential buildings, or tong lau, were built without elevators, earning them the nickname “walk-ups”. While the thought of tackling flights of stairs in Hong Kong’s summer may not be appealing, these properties have larger rooms than those in many newer developments. Also, a tong lau might lack on-site amenities, but it’s often conveniently close to public transport, making it well suited to young professionals and seasoned expats.
Snapshot of a typical tong lau:
Size: 300 square feet (studio) / 500 square feet (2 bedrooms)
Area: Central, Sheung Wan, Sai Ying Pun, Kennedy Town, Wan Chai, Tin Hau, Tai Hang, North Point
Houses
Townhouses
Townhouses come in different shapes and sizes, but all offer more space than your standard apartments, making them ideal for families. Most have a private outdoor space – a rare thing in Hong Kong – and those in larger developments offer access to club facilities, pools and shuttle buses to nearby transport hubs. Townhouses can be found in suburbs and “satellite towns”, so having a car or driver may make your commute more convenient.
Snapshot of a typical townhouse:
Size: 2,000 square feet, 3-4 bedrooms
Areas: Tuen Mun, Repulse Bay, Sai Kung, Tai Po, Hong Lok Yuen
Village Houses
Village houses are an excellent option for families craving space and serenity. As you’d expect from the name, they’re located in smaller villages, often close to the coast, Hong Kong’s country parks, or both! These homes are great for lovers of outdoors life – particularly those with pets – but as they’re less accessible many residents own private cars so they can go further afield when needed.
Snapshot of a typical village house:
Size: 2,100 square feet, 3-4 bedrooms
Areas: Sai Kung, Tai Po, Yuen Long, Outlying Islands
Luxury Houses
For those with a bigger budget, Hong Kong has some seriously luxurious houses in prestigious neighbourhoods. The Peak and the south side of HK Island are home to beautifully appointed standalone houses, while those craving a place with character should consider the colonial properties that line Kadoorie Avenue in Kowloon – exclusive homes with secluded gardens and pools.
Snapshot of a typical luxury home:
Size: 3,000 square feet, 4 bedrooms
Areas: The Peak, Repulse Bay, Deepwater Bay, Kowloon Tong, Ho Man Tin
The Serviced Apartment Solution
If you’re only in Hong Kong for a short time, or you need a place to stay until you find somewhere permanent to live, serviced apartments are ideal. There are many in Hong Kong – from budget options to luxury suites, and from HK Island to Kowloon, Lantau and the New Territories – all with flexible lease terms and in convenient locations close to commercial hubs and transport links. Serviced apartments extend a hotel-like experience, with professional housekeeping and the kinds of cooking facilities you don’t find in a standard hotel room. One notable example is Hong Kong Parkview, a mix of apartments and serviced residences set in a beautiful location in Tai Tam Country Park, but with quick access to Central.
Hear it from the residents
Any advice for newcomers around the real estate search?
“In Hong Kong, both parties pay estate agent fees – the landlord and the tenant. So, if you have the luxury of time, check out Hong Kong Facebook groups first, as often there are nice apartments publicised directly from landlords or existing tenants looking to leave their tenancy early. It’s a way to possibly save on agent fees.”
– Monica
Look on Facebook first. If you’re not in a rush to move in quickly, you can find some pretty good deals on expat sites and Facebook for landlords who are not looking to give agency fees away.
– Adam
The tenant also pays a commission/agency fee, so be prepared for that. Agents are pretty hit and miss, the same as anywhere else in the world. Try to get a recommendation from one of the Hong Kong Facebook groups or someone on Instagram.
– Sara
It took many visits until we found the place we loved, and my one piece of advice is if you like a place and it’s within your budget, you need to move quickly as places get snapped up so fast!
– Aline
We actually have only ever worked with one property agent the entire time we’ve been here. He’s very professional and always full of great ideas.
– Dominique
It took many visits until we found the place we loved, and my one piece of advice is if you like a place and it’s within your budget, you need to move quickly as places get snapped up so fast!
– Aline
Look at a lot of properties and don’t judge a flat by the building – there are many hidden gems in older buildings. If you want a nice building with nice amenities, you will pay for it in floor space.
– Max
Want to know more about accommodation options in Hong Kong? Head to our Living in Hong Kong section.
This article first appeared in the City Guide 2021/22 issue of Expat Living magazine. Subscribe now so you never miss an issue.
