First steps for expat tenants
Your company may arrange initial housing, but you'll eventually search yourself. Prepare your passport, visa, proof of income and bank records — landlords and agents will check.
Hong Kong leases are usually signed in English or bilingual; read the deposit (typically two months), tenancy length and notice period carefully.
Lease and stamp duty
Residential leases must be stamped (stamp duty), normally shared between landlord and tenant; an unstamped lease is not admissible in court.
Use the stamp-duty tool to see the amount; the rate steps by tenancy length and rent, and longer leases are slightly cheaper.
Agents and cheaper rent
Estate agents are licensed and regulated; commission is usually paid by the landlord (market norm), but check for any extra fees.
For cheaper rent, view both agent listings and owner-direct platforms; Central and Wan Chai have abundant stock, with bargaining room depending on season.
Central and Wan Chai lifestyle
Central (central-western) is the business core — shopping and dining on your doorstep, but rents run high; ideal if you work on the Island and want to skip the commute.
Wan Chai (wan-chai) is a bit cheaper, lively with bars and restaurants, and a long-time expat favourite.
Landing checklist
Open a Hong Kong bank account, get a proof of address, and consider tenancy insurance; photograph the flat's condition before moving in to avoid deposit disputes.
Use moving-cost to estimate relocation, and rent-affordability to confirm rent-to-income is reasonable.