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Combining two separate flats into one home can add value in terms of uniqueness, space, and exclusivity but the process can be a long and stressful one. Here we share some tips to make your home a special one!
Combining Two Flats on the Same Floor into One Home
- Check to see if the units are structurally safe to combine
- Appoint a structural engineer, architect or building surveyor
- Check for load-bearing walls, Gas and Water Lines and how they will be impacted
- Submit professional plans to the Building’s Department
This Designer Renovated Unit has been combined using two side by side units providing a huge terrace and over 780sq ft of livable space. Currently for Sale at $25M (non combined units are selling for $8.6M on the same floor) https://www.qi-homes.com/properties/hang-sing-mansion/2927
Combining Two Flats to a Duplex
- Similar to combining horizontally you need to check that the hole in the ceiling is not affecting the structural integrity of the building. In the same cases, strengthening works such as the installation of steel beams may have to be carried out.
Combining Top Floor to Roof Terrace
- If the staircase planned leads up to the rooftop terrace, a roof hatch or shelter would have to be built as access and protection from rainwater. In this case, the landlord would not only have to seek the authorization of the Buildings Department, but would also have to apply for an “occupation permit”. Also, the new structure should not violate fire safety and building codes. For example, it cannot block fire escape routes of other residents.
This stunning internal staircase has been building approved to a roof terrace with an electric skylight. Currently for Sale at $62M https://www.qi-homes.com/properties/wan-chui-yuen/22387
What works require building department permission?
- constructing a new extension, vertically or horizontally, to an existing building
- linking two or more floors by removing parts of the floor slab and/or adding internal staircases
- combining two or more units into one by removing the partition walls
- conversion of an existing building, including wholesale conversion of an existing industrial building
- installing cladding or curtain wall to the façade of existing buildings
- adding water tanks, canopies, shelters, structural frames for advertisement signboards, air-conditioning plants, etc.
- modification of means of escape, means of access and barrier free access
How long does the process take?
- The entire process of drawing up plans, submissions of plans and getting approval can take anywhere from 6 months to 1 year depending on the complexity of the works.
What are the legal implications?
- check if there are restrictive covenants in the title, deed of mutual covenant or land lease that prevent two flats in a building being converted into a single dwelling
- if the units have not received building permission and are considered two separate dwellings and a new buyer purchase both units they will be considered as two transactions by the inland revenue and the second unit may be subject to the 15% stamp duty.
- similarly, if the owner wishes to sell one of the combined units in the future, the owner will have to appoint an authorized person to reinstate alterations made to the premises and submit the building plan for Buildings Department’s approval prior to entering into a binding contract to sell.
- lastly, any mortgages or bank loans that may be held for the combined units may require to be paid off prior to selling one of the units if sold seperately.
More information can be found on this government web site.
Anthony has over 15 years of experience in the Hong Kong Property Market and has a keen eye to find a unique and special home or investment property. For more information on how he can help you please contact Tel / Whatsapp +852 9105 1406 email: anthony@qi-homes.com
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RIDGEWAY | THE PEAK
Well Proportioned Living Space
Spacious Kitchen
Good Sized Master Bedroom
Communal Pool
Ridgeway is a block of low rise residential apartments that form part of a complex together with Cloudlands on Plantation Road. Formally reserved for high ranking HSBC employees the units have recently come on the public market exclusively for lease.
Located on a summit behind Peak School the complex was completed in 1974 and comprises 6 units each spanning 3300 square feet of livable space. The apartment comprises a huge living room with an open fireplace that leads to a separate formal dining room overlooking the spacious and expansive balcony with fabulous 180-degree harbor views. The views are probably one of the nicest I have seen since its completely uninterrupted thanks to the apartment’s location.
Just across for the living room is a huge kitchen with island. The kitchen has been finished in neutral tones and the size can easily compete with any American Home with a separate coffee station, huge utility and laundry area and two helpers quarters.
As you walk down the long hallway you are greeted by the first of 4 bedrooms, this one semi attached to a full bath. The bedroom has 2 doors so you are able to close the bedroom off and share the bathroom with another bedroom across the hallway. Another two en-suite bedrooms are at the end of the hallway with the Master Suite comprising of a separate walk in closet and luxurious bathroom. The bedrooms are expansive with 2.5 meter high ceilings and either overlook the harbor or communal swimming pool which is for the exclusive use of the residents.
Each Unit comes with a covered parking space and the complex is close to Walks and Amenities of the Peak. We would rate this as follows
Views: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Convenience: ⭐⭐ Size: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Finish: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
FOR LEASE HK$ 168K
Size: 3303 sq ft (n)
4 Bedroom | 3 Bathroom | 2 Helper’s Room
- Outstanding Harbour Views from the Peak Summit Location
- Very Spacious with Well Proportioned Rooms
- Excellent Interior Condition and Ready to Move in
Listing # 2368
Learn More
HOT LISTINGS FOR RENT
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Carol Mansion | Mid Levels
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The Location
This tastefully decorated studio apartment is located in a very well maintained mansion block just off Kensington Church Street, (connecting Kensington High Street with Nottinghill) in one of London’s most prestigious neighborhoods.
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The block has recently been entirely refurbished and has very elegant public areas with 24-hour concierge and two elevators
Well Maintained Block in Prime Central London
Lobby
Public Areas
The area is surrounded by some of London’s most prestigious schools including Imperial College London, Excellent Shopping along Kensington High Street, Interesting Museums, (Royal Abert Museum) and a convenient 5-minute walk to High Street Kensington Tube Station.
Open Green Views Towards Vicarage Gate
The Interior
This charming 4th floor (lift) studio apartment located at the end of the corridor, with no apartment to the right and none opposite, making it very quiet and private. It looks out on a leafy cul-de-sac with white stucco-fronted houses opposite.
Bright and Airy Living Space
The apartment is currently laid out as a large open-plan studio and extends to 37 sq metres (405 sq ft), but could easily be reconfigured to provide a separate bedroom.
Clever Designed Folding Bed
The apartment enjoys a lease of 59 years, but this could be extended, if deemed necessary, for approximately £58,000.
Well Equipped Kitchen
The well-appointed and practical kitchen benefits from lots of storage space and is finished in classic tones of black and white.
Good Sized Bathroom with Bath and Windows
The good sized bathroom with full bath and ample counter space and enjoys large windows.
Specs:
- Studio Apartment
- 4th Floor (Lift)
- Porter, Mansion Block, Two Lifts
- Prime W8 (Kensington) Location
- Approx. 406 sqft (37.7 sqm)
- Tenure: Leasehold
- Lease Expires: March 2080 (59 years, 7 months)
- Condition: Good
- Asking Price £400,000 negotiable (no onward chain)
Please contact: Anthony Hindmarsh by Whatsapp on +852 9105 1406 or email: anthony@qi-homes.com for more information
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1. The Vibe:
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 Google
Excellent Road Access to and From Tung Chung to South Lantau Photo: Courtesy SCMP
5. Examples of some listings In South Lantau.
Michelia
For Lease HK$ 55,000
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The Apartment – Rare and Exclusive Residence
- Luxury designer apartment, mesmerizing harbour views – experience 270 degrees expansive views of Sydney and breezes from two large balconies and wide windows
- Sunny North-east aspect
- State-of-the-art living with bespoke finishes
- Entertainer’s kitchen with Miele appliances
Bespoke Kitchen with Top End Appliances from Miele.
Beautifully Proportioned Dining Room which is Flooded with Natural Light
- Complete renovation, designed by architects and interior designers that took some 10 months – completed in July 2018.
- The incredibly difficult approval process, and rules and by-laws that need to be adhered to (floor to ceiling heights, acoustic requirements/testing, fire requirements, etc.).
- 3 bedroom converted into 2 bedrooms to take advantage of expansive view but can be easily converted back into a 3 bedroom if desired.
- Brand new everything, including all electrical cabling, fuse box, etc, all plumbing, sprinklers and sprinkler pipes.
- Fully ducted air conditioning in all rooms.
- Miele kitchen appliances.
- Custom joinery.
- Walk-in wardrobe in Master bedroom and full custom mirrored wardrobe in bedroom 2.
- Full marble bathrooms (tiles and countertops). Grohe fittings. Villeroy and Boch sink and concealed cistern toilets.
- Full marble kitchen including splashbacks.
- Brand new balcony doors to both balconies.
King Sized Bedroom with Floor To Ceiling Windows and Private Access to Balcony.
Top Quality Fixtures and Fittings in Modern Bathroom
The Area – Darling Point
Darling Point is an exclusive residential neighborhood on a small peninsula that sticks out into Sydney Harbour. This is a quiet community in the prestigious Eastern Suburbs with tree-lined streets and a mix of mansions and condominiums. Darling Point is home to affluent and established professionals and families drawn by its central waterside location and amazing views.
Outstanding Panoramic Views from a Good Sized Balcony
Surrounded by Double Bay, Edgecliff, and Rushcutters Bay, Darling Point is renowned for being one of Australia’s most prestigious and expensive real estate suburbs. Being 4km east of the CBD, with some spectacular harbour and city views and easy access to great public transport.
Views towards Sydney Harbor Bridge
Its location is unbeatable – just 4km to Sydney City (less than 10 minutes drive Its nearest shopping center is Edgecliff less than a 5 minute walk away with supermarkets, specialty shops, cafes, and Edgecliff Station and is a 10-minute walk to Double Bay with its beautiful boutiques, cafes, and restaurants
The Building – Ranelagh
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- Prime location in the highly sought after suburb of Darling Point – unparalleled proximity to Edgecliff Station (across the street) and Eastpoint Food Fair (just above the train station (featuring Coles, Aldi, premium butcher, fishmonger, pharmacies, Asian grocers, florist, bakeries, news agency, hairdressers, beauty salon, cafes and more); less than a ten-minute walk to neighboring Double Bay and Rushcutters Bay.
- Unique apartment complex set on 1.5 acres of beautifully maintained gardens
- Ranelagh boasts two swimming pools, an outdoor pool, and a heated indoor pool as well as saunas.
- Three levels of resident garaging on-site and plentiful visitor parking for your family and friends.
- All residents have access to secure storage units situated just on the basement level.
- The building is managed by the building manager on site and supported by an active Executive Committee.
- Building concierge (6 days a week) offers services such as accepting parcels and provides excellent security.
- Level lift access from the marble lobby.
Views Towards Double Bay, One of Sydney’s Most Exclusive Neighborhoods
Ranelagh is currently going through a renewal project which will see:
- a full fire upgrade [COMPLETED]
- the renovation of individual foyers [COMPLETED]
- the renovation of the Ground Floor lobby, and
- the building’s façade remediated/upgraded.
The remediation seeks to modernize the look of the building and rectify some ‘wear and tear’ that has occurred over the years. The uplift in building appearance is forecasted to provide owners with a significant uplift in property value commensurate to the stature and location of the building.
Floor Plan
Specs
Type: Simplex
Bedrooms: 2 Bedrooms (Converted from 3)
Size: 135 sqm
Car Parks: 2
Storage Facility: Yes
Outdoor Space: Balcony
Asking Price: A$3.5M
Contact
Anthony Hindmarsh
Tel / Whatsapp: +852 9105 1406
Email: +852 9105 1406
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