The HK Soft Landing: Family Trial Stay in Serviced Apartment
“Trial Stay” Case Study Overview
Client: Senior Executive Family (Relocating from London)
Challenge: Choosing apartments between Mid-Levels and Southside without local experience.
Solution: A 3-month "Trial Stay" in a flexible 2-bedroom serviced apartment.
Outcome: Avoided a 2-year lease mistake; secured a permanent home with 100% confidence afterwards
The Dilemma: "District FOMO" and the Relocation Rush
For the Thompson family, relocating to Hong Kong wasn't just about having a new job — it was about finding the right balance for two school-aged children. Like most expats, they were bombarded with conflicting advice:
"Live in Mid-Levels for the views and proximity to Central."
"Live in Repulse Bay for the beach and international school vibes."
The Problem: Traditional Hong Kong rental contracts follow a "2-year firm" structure (1 year fixed, 1 year break clause). Committing to a HK$70,000+ monthly expense without knowing the "school bus reality" or the neighbourhood in a specific district is a high-risk gamble.
The Requirements: Beyond Just a Bed
The family contacted ResidenceHK with a specific, high-intent checklist that most generic booking sites couldn't filter for:
Pet-Friendly: They were bringing a Golden Retriever (a major hurdle in HK real estate).
School Bus Routes: Must be on the pickup line for the Kellett School or ESF.
Zero Commitment: A 3-month bridge to allow for "on-the-ground" house hunting.
The ResidenceHK Solution: A Curated "Trial Run" with a Family Friendly Serviced Apartment
Instead of pushing a long-term lease, we curated a shortlist of luxury serviced apartments in Mid-Levels West that offered "flexible-stay" terms.
We secured a 2-bedroom suite that featured:
Fully Managed Services: Weekly housekeeping and utilities included (essential for a busy executive family landing with 10 suitcases).
Pet-Friendly Clearance: Pre-negotiated approval for their dog.
The "Commute Test": We selected a serviced apartment within a 5-minute walk from the Central-Mid-Levels Escalator, allowing the parents to test their actual commute time during peak hours.
The Outcome: From Uncertainty to Authority
During their 90-day stay, the Thompsons realized that while they loved the Mid-Levels views, they preferred the quieter, greener environment of the Southside for their dog and children, hence they chose a serviced apartment in the south side eventually.
Because they were in a serviced apartment, they weren't "locked in." They used their weekends to visit open houses in Tai Tam and eventually signed a long-term lease for a townhouse—completely skipping the stress of a "blind" relocation.
Key Takeaways for Thompsons’ Relocation
Test before you Tie: Use a 1–3 month serviced apartment as a "living lab."
Negotiate Flexibility: We help clients find units that allow for month-to-month extensions.
Context is King: You can’t feel the "vibe" of a neighborhood from a PDF brochure.
FAQs for Family Tenants New to Hong Kong
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Yes. Many expats use serviced apartments for 3-6 months to "test" commutes and school bus routes before committing to a long-term rental for their family.
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While many have "no-pet" policies, ResidenceHK specializes in finding specific buildings in Mid-Levels and Southside that welcome pets.
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It depends on your school choice and personal preference e.g. office location. Mid-Levels offers convenience to Central, while the Southside (Repulse Bay/Stanley) offers more space and greenery.
