With some neighbourhoods fetching over $100,000 per sq ft, Hong Kong has retained it’s leading position in the list of the most expensive housing markets, also topping the ranking for the world’s costliest cities to live for expats for the second year running.
The increasing demand for luxurious real estate in Hong Kong coming from Mainland China guarantees a favorable climate for investors. The question is only where to choose that dream spot that will become a great deal both for habitation and for the wallet.
Here is the list of the most exclusive neighborhoods in Hong Kong to choose from.
Lantau offers Privacy, Peace & Quiet removed from the urban bustle of Hong Kong. The south side of the island benefits from light traffic due to road controls on Tung Chung Road, and high privacy because of low density and an abundance of private residences.
2. More for your Money
Housing Prices in Lantau are up to 50% cheaper than the equivalent on Hong Kong Island. Many homes offer Outdoor Spaces such as Gardens and Terraces offering a higher standard of living, Some homes have lovely sea views overlooking the South China Sea.
Photo: Courtesy : Swire
Photo: Courtesy : Swire
3. Proximity to Nature:
South Lantau is Home to One Of Hong Kong’s longest unspoiled beaches called Cheung Sha. There is also an Abundance of Hiking Trails and Picturesque sightseeing locations such as Pui O Beach, Lantau Peak, Sunset Peak. So whether you are surrounding yourself with Nature or Chilling on Lantau’s many Beach Restaurants there is something for everyone.
Cheung Sha Beach The Longest Beach in Hong Kong Photo: Courtesy SCMP
4. The Convenience Factor:
South Lantau is easily accessible via various means of Public and Private Transport Options. The MTR is only a quick 20-minute ride from Central Station to Tung Chung whereby you can hop on a Taxi or Bus. It’s also close to Hong Kong International Airport —perfect for busy professionals or seasoned international travelers.
Map of South Lantau: Photo: Courtesy GoogleExcellent Road Access to and From Tung Chung to South Lantau Photo: Courtesy SCMP
A huge detached property comprising 3 houses combined to 1. It has very high ceilings and floor to ceiling windows. It has a unique layout with 12 ensuite bedrooms and 3 family rooms, ideal for a large family. It has plenty of built-in storage, custom-built to high specifications. There are 2 outdoor swimming pools and terraces, perfect for BBQs. It has lovely sea and mountain views.
Ap Lei Chau, a small island connected by a bridge to the south of Hong Kong, is a perfect fusion of urban development and links to the city’s fishing past. With the opening of the MTR Island South Line (East) making Ap Lei Chau more accessible to the rest of Hong Kong, the face of Ap Lei Chau is rapidly changing.
The name Ap Lei Chau is derived from its long and narrow shape that looks like the tongue of a duck. Now a largely residential island, it still retains some of Hong Kong’s traditional allure with the busy harbour that is the base for fishing vessels and sampans, while old temples and shipyards still dot the island’s shoreline.
1. The Vibe:
Ap Lei Chau has a mix of Modern and Village Rustic Feel and has plenty of attractions for those who choose to call the area home. The Ap Lei Chau Waterfront Promenade is the hub so whether you enjoy a walk on the trail, let the kids unwind at the multiple playgrounds, do some shopping in the various malls or watch the sampans and fishing boats come and go, there is something for everyone.
2. Eateries
Ap Lei Chau is full of reasonably priced local eats. Apart from traditional “Cha Chaan Tangs”, you have a multitude of international cuisines and seafood restaurants to choose from.
3. The Housing Factor:
This area consists of mainly high-rise developments. There are a few new luxury developments with club facilities being built in the area such as Larvotto and Marinella, as well as the more established sprawling South Horizon development and Sham Wan Towers. Many of these units have good sea views to the southeast, or west towards the Lamma Channel
4. The Convenience Factor:
The MTR South Island Line opened in 2016 and connects Ap Lei Chau with Central in 11 minutes thus completely transforming the convenience factor of this area.
The station of Lei Tung connects passengers from Ap Lei Chau Main Street to the Main Plaza with easy access to all areas including the Promenade.
Here are our Top 5 Reasons to Live in Tin Hau Hong Kong
Considered one of the coolest places in Hong Kong, for its old style low rise buildings and small one way streets. It has the vibe of a quiet and peaceful village but its situated right is in the middle of the city. Only during the Dragon Festival do the streets become super packed when it celebrates this old tradition. The rest of the time its slow pace attracts people looking for a special place to visit.
Tai Hang is at the back of Victoria Park and walking distance from Tin Hau and Causeway Bay, the area is slowly evolving and great restaurants, coffee shops and boutiques are opening up in the quiet side streets. At night its easy to mistake the peaceful village vibe for something in the country
This is a rapidly evolving, the area is home to a host of restaurants, vintage stores, artisanal coffee shops, and a growing lineup of design-driven boutiques. As a result it is a popular area to live with locals and expats alike. Here’s why.
1. The Vibe:
Tai Hang neighborhood offers a laid-back vide alternative to all the buzz of Causeway Bay yet only a stone throw away. The area has an interesting mix of old temples and trendy eateries as well as a large mix of housing from Modern Highrises to Old Colonial Walk Ups.
Typical Street in Tai Hang with Old Meets New VibeBordering Victoria Park with a plethora of outdoor activities.
2. Trendy Eateries and Cafes
Many of the areas restaurants and cafes offer a relaxing and chilled out vibe. From “Tipsy” Restaurant & Bar features the finest global ingredients for a unique tasting experience to “Raman Nagi”, an internationally renowned ramen restaurant to “Second Draft” a much-buzzed-about gastropub, the food options are endless and varied.
Tipsy Bar and RestaurantRamen Nagi
Most cuisines are represented from French to Indian. Despite offering an international array of restaurant choices Sai Ying Pun retains much of its local flavor with local Chinese markets and Butchers alongside gourmet food purveyors.
3. The Housing Factor:
There are many choices for housing from modern highrises some with stunning views overlooking Causwaybay to Quaint Colonial Walk-Up Buildings in the Older Part of Tai Hang offering a distinct character of the area.
View from a High Rise in Tai HangTypical Street in Tung Lo Wan Road,
4. The Convenience Factor:
Tai Hang is well serviced by Public transport including buses, minibusses and taxis are easily accessible. Wanchai Waterfront and the Central business district are within 5 to 10-minute driving distance. The famous shopping district Causeway Bay lies 5-minute driving distance away with connections to the underground railway station. Public buses and minibusses to Central and Causeway Bay also serviced the area.
Tai Hang is well-supported by multi-national schools: the Chinese International School in Braemar Hill, the Japanese International School in North Point, the French International School in Jardine’s Lookout, and the Hong Kong Academy on Stubbs Road.
Map of Area – Tai Hang
There are also multiple public transport options from Large Double Decker Buses to Public Light Buses.
Once well known for a large Abbitoir the area has transformed into a “foodie haven” with every sort of restaurant represented from Japanese Inspired Mexican to the Cities Hottest Brunch Spots. Kennedy Town has a relaxed vibe with a real neighborly feel.
2. Quirky Accommodation
Kennedy Town if the perfect mix of the old and new as represented in the Architecture with a distinct east meets west vibe which is also evident in its bar culture.
Many of the older buildings have given way to swanky modern high rises some of which take advantage of the lovely sea views.
So whether you are living solo or with a large family Kennedy Town has great accommodation options for all tastes and budgets.
A one bedroom flat in a modern highrise with Swimming Pool and Gym starts at HK$25,000 per month and will go up to HK$70,000 for a three bedroom with sea views.
3. Convenient Transportation
Kennedy Town is the last stop of the MTR Island Line from Central. There are also multiple public transport options taking you to and from all areas of Hong Kong Island. The high-speed Route 4 Highway connects Kennedy Town to Central and Beyond with several direct buses making it possible in 15 minutes.
4. Trendy Restaurants
Kennedy Town as a huge array of eateries to suit anyone’s taste. It is home to some of the trendiest restaurants in the City and the Hippest Barrister Cafe’s
Here are our Top 5 Reasons to Live in apartments in Sai Ying Poon Hong Kong
Sai Ying Pun is built on the steeply sloping lower slopes of Victoria Peak and also west of the Central Business District. It stretches from Connaught Road West to the North to Bonham Road to the South and from Eastern Street to the East to Pok Fu Lam Road to the West.
1. The Vibe:
Sai Ying Pun is a popular residential area on Hong Kong Island consiting of mainly older low rise buildings and modern high rises. The area has seen a massive urban development over the past 10-15 years with the culmination of the opening of the MTR Station in 2017.
Busy Street in Sai Ying Poon at Queens Road East
2. Trendy Eateries and Cafes
The main arteries that make up the core of Sai Ying Pun are First, Second, Third and High Street. Over the past 10 years many of the car repair shops and local shops have made way to trendy restaurants and cafe’s.
One of the many restaurants and reason to live in sai ying pun
Most cuisines are represented from French to Indian. Despite offering an international array of restaurant choices Sai Ying Pun retains much of its local flavour with local Chinese markets and Butchers along side gourmet food purveyors.
3. The Housing Factor:
There are many choices for housing from older 70’s buildings to ultra-modern apartments many with extensive facilities such as swimming pool, gym, and outdoor play areas . The average size of apartments in Sai Ying Pun range from 500-1000 sq ft.
Rooftop Flat in Sai Ying Pun
4. The Convenience Factor:
Sai Ying Pun station, which is one of the MTR stations and part of Hong Kong Island line, started servicing the area on 29 March 2015. Trams run along Des Voeux Road West, taking passengers to the east or west of Hong Kong Island.
Many bus routes run along Des Voeux Road and Queens Road West, with some routes routed through the lower parts of Water Street and Pok Fu Lam Road. Most streets are too steep or narrow for buses, however green minibuses and some red minibus routes travel through the upper streets.
Pok Fu Lam is a popular residential area for its relative affordability compared with mid-levels and the south side.
Unique Apartment with Roof Terrace in Pok Fu Lam
1. The Vibe:
The residential area of Pok Fu Lam is located on the western tip of the of Hong Kong. It is notable for its quiet, green living environment. It is a popular choice for expats due to the proximity to excellent schools, the University of Hong Kong as well as the Quick Commute to Central. Pok Fu Lam has lots of residential options from large scale complexes to small colonial walk up low rises.
Map of Western Tip of Hong Kong Island Pok Fu Lam
2. The Proximity To Nature
This Part of Hong Kong enjoys a coastline along the western tip of Hong Kong Island where you can find many interesting walks close to the water. It also has popular hikes and trails through the Pok Fu Lam Reservoir to the Peak.
Pok Fu Lam Reservoir
3. The Housing Factor:
There are many choices for housing from ultra-luxurious apartments complexes such as Bel Air to smaller low rise walk up building such as those found in Bisney Road. Many flats offer panoramic sunset views. Many highrise buildings enjoy panoramic sea and sunset views, extensive facilities such as swimming pool, gym, and outdoor play areas whereas some low rise buildings will have large balconies or rooftops that are perfect for entertaining.
Large Scale Housing Complex in Pok Fu Lam
4. The Convenience Factor:
There is a multitude of public transportation options. Not far is the Hong Kong University MTR station, Large Double Decker Buses and Small Mini Buses leave from Pok Fu Lam to Central, Causeway Bay or to Aberdeen. Commute time to Central Business District is a mere 15 Minutes Via the HIghway Route 4 Linking Kennedy Town to Central.
Ocean Views from High Rise Apartment in Pok Fu Lam
Here are our Top 5 Reasons to Live in Mid-Levels Hong Kong
Mid Levels is divided into three key areas namely Mid Levels Central (located just above Central) Mid Levels West (from Garden Road to Western Street) and Mid Levels East (From Kennedy Road to Lower Stubbs Road)
1. The Vibe:
Mid-Levels is an affluent residential area on Hong Kong Island in offering Panoramic Views of Victoria Harbour It is located between Victoria Peak and Central as a result, this area is very popular due to its walking distance to a central, multitude of public transport options and excellent schools.
2. The Proximity To Nature
Mid Levels is close to several well known walks and hikes such as the Bowen Road Fitness Trail and the Old Peak Road / Conduit Road Peak Trail. Both are popular outdoor activities for people who live in Mid-Levels Hong Kong
Bowen Road Fitness Trail
An added attraction of the Mid-Levels is its close proximity to nature such as the Hong Kong Zoological and Botanical Gardens and comparatively better air quality than many parts of the Hong Kong Island.
3. The Housing Factor:
There are many choices for housing from ultra-luxurious apartments to compact family homes. The costs of apartments vary according to the size, location, and age of the building. Many highrise buildings offer extensive facilities such as swimming pool, gym, and outdoor play areas whereas some low rise buildings will have large balconies that are perfect for entertaining.
4. The Convenience Factor:
Travel to and from the Mid Levels can be done via Road or The Central Mid Levels Escalators. At 800 meters (2,600 ft), it is the longest outdoor escalator in the world. It was opened on 15 October 1993. The escalator runs downhill from 6 am to 10 am and uphill from 10:30 am to midnight every day. Pedestrians traveling in the opposite direction making use of the adjacent stairs and footpaths. Apart from its transportation function, it is a tourist attraction.
There are also multiple public transport options from Large Double Decker Buses to Public Light Buses.
Sheung Wan has seen a rapid transformation over the past few years. It has changed from a sleepy residential neighborhood to a hangout for Hong Kong’s most stylish urban youth” Here is our Top 5 Reasons to Live in Sheung Wan.
1. Cool Vibe
There are plenty of quirky boutiques, trendy bars, cafés, and restaurants are constantly interspersed with Temples and traditional Chinese Herbalists.
Western Market
2. Quirky Accommodation
Sheung Wan boasts an interesting mix of traditional Chinese walk-ups and modern high-rise buildings, many of which have been renovated with open kitchens and feature the converted private roof terraces.
A Typical Street in Sheung Wan
Living in Sheung Wan can be cheaper than neighboring areas such as Mid Levels or Soho. A One Bedroom Flats can range in Price commencing at HK$25,000 per month to HK$40,000 for anything unique or with a rooftop. A Two Bedroom Flat be as high as $70,000.
3. Convenient Transportation
Sheung Wan is a one stop of the MTR Island Line from Central and an easy 10-minute walk. There are also multiple public transport options taking you to all areas of the island.
The Iconic Man Mo Temple on Hollywood Road
4. Trendy Restaurants
Sheung Wan as a huge array of eateries to suit anyone’s taste. It is home to some of the trendies restaurants in the City. Yardbird is a modern izakaya that specializes in yakitori dishes of skewered grilled chicken. Dim Sum Square Serving Local Yum Cha Favorites. Chachawan Serving Authentic Thai Cuisine and Mrs Pound serving East Meets West Fusion Dishes are amoungst a few favoriates.
