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
Apartments
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 – and that means 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 alike.
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
These come in different shapes and sizes, all offering more space than standard apartments, making them ideal for families. Most have a private outdoor space (a rarity in HK) and those in larger developments offer club facilities, pools and shuttle buses to transport hubs. Townhouses can be found in suburbs and “satellite towns”, so having a car may be 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 house:
Size: 3,000 square feet, 4 bedrooms
Areas: The Peak, Repulse Bay, Deepwater Bay, Kowloon Tong, Ho Man Tin
Serviced apartments
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 for you. There are many in HK – from budget options to luxury suites – 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.
Snapshot of a typical serviced apartment:
Size: 350 square feet (studio) to 1,110 square feet (3 bedrooms)
Areas: Hong Kong Island, Kowloon, New Territories, Lantau
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 2020 issue of Expat Living magazine. Subscribe now so you never miss an issue.
