Hong Kong Apartments

The island's north side is the first place that comes to mind when looking for Hong Kong apartments. It is certainly the most well known area with its famous skyline of buildings bearing the names of the world's largest companies. Still today, between these architectural gems and business power centres, run old trams and until recently, even rickshaw drivers… throwbacks to a bygone era.

If your company has itself a sought after address on the north side of the Island, then the first place to look for an apartment in Hong Kong is among the many rental buildings on offer here.

If you're traveling solo, or as a couple without kids, then a rental apartment in the area bounded by Sheung Wan, Causeway Bay and the Mid-Levels is a great place as you'll have maximum convenience with public transport, work and nightlife all within easy reach.

To keep the budget under tighter control you could look at rental apartments further out from Central, to the west around Kennedy Town or east towards Chai Wan. Renting a Kennedy Town apartment will keep you within a short taxi or bus ride of Central, whereas a Chai Wan apartment is convenient to the eastern most stop on the MTR line. Both are still convenient, just with less Expatriates around- remember that not all Hong Kong grocery stores are created equal.

As a couple with children, you'll probably tend more toward apartment rentals in Mid-Levels and Happy Valley, depending on your size requirements and preferences. All still on the north side of Hong Kong island, only a little more Expat and family oriented.

Keep in mind though that some of the Hong Kong apartments in these areas will not have balconies, car parking or outdoor areas (top floor apartments may have roof access). You may have a gym included in the apartment building. Pets may or may not be allowed depending on the property owner or building regulations, and you'll find the only places to exercise a larger dog being the walking trails up to the Peak.

Looking for space and the budget is not a factor? Then include The Peak in your property search. Long famous as the most luxurious of Hong Kong real estate you will find many spacious villas and apartments in this area. Views, carparks, and all the trimmings you would expect from some of Hong Kong's most sought after properties.

WestSide LifeStyle

If you'd like to trade a little convenience for a lot of quiet, then you could look around the western side of Hong Kong island for rental apartments in the Pok Fu Lam and Cyberport areas.

Overlooked for many years, Pok Fu Lam apartments have seen a recent surge in popularity as the area has a reputation as a quiet family-type area. You will see people out with strollers and dogs and, as it is off the main roads you are much less likely to be run down by a crazed mini bus driver. The apartment buildings here are generally older style low-rise walk ups so you're more likely to have space, a balcony, car park, view, and possibly a roof top for entertaining.

Island South Apartments & Villas

The south side of Hong Kong island, or Island South as is the latest ctach phrase, is a popular place for those who prefer their Hong Kong lifestyle to come with a lot more quiet and a little extra elbow room. The suburbs of Shouson Hill, Deep Water Bay, Stanley, etc are the luxury suburbs of the South Side. The majority of the real estate in these areas is spacious apartments, condominiums, and villa complexes. Here you can generally expect to have at least one car parking space, at least a sea view and inclusions in the property and the complex such as pools, gyms etc.

Living on the South Side means you won't have MTR access, but there are still light and large busses constantly traveling to and from Hong Kong if you so choose. Generally people will tend to own a car here and driving access to Happy Valley and Central is fairly straight forward via the Aberdeen Tunnel, Tai Tam Reservoir, or Pok Fu Lam. Be aware though that the road from the Aberdeen Tunnel to the east through this lovely area is a single lane carriage way. This unfortunately means that whenever the buses stop, so do you, but in exchange you will have easy access to multiple beaches, the choice of great restaurants, and a relaxing Hong Kong lifestyle.