Fantastic, nothing to add. Mathilde managed to find us an apartment that met all our criteria. Thank you so much for your help and professionalism.
Xavier, or another of our hunters in Hong Kong, will take care of your search
Renting a flat in Hong Kong involves several cost components beyond the headline monthly rent. Here is a breakdown of what international students should budget for:
Hong Kong in brief for international students: world-class universities, a highly competitive private rental market, and a well-connected MTR network. Shared rooms start at around 3,500 HKD/month; private studios in central districts reach 10,000 HKD/month. Budget for upfront deposits of up to three months' rent plus a management fee of 12–15% of rent per month. Start your search at least two to three months before the semester. Key student neighbourhoods: Sai Ying Pun (HKU), Hung Hom (PolyU), Kowloon Tong (CityU/HKBU), Sha Tin (CUHK), and Tseung Kwan O (HKUST).
Finding long-term rental accommodation in Hong Kong as an international student requires careful planning, a realistic budget, and a good understanding of local rental practices. The city's private housing market is highly competitive, particularly in the weeks before each semester starts, when demand from students, graduates, and young professionals peaks simultaneously. Unlike many other study destinations, Hong Kong does not have a large purpose-built student housing sector: most students rent privately, either in shared flats with classmates or in co-living spaces offered by operators such as Weave Living. The main rental platforms used in Hong Kong include 28Hse, House730, and LetsGetHome, while traditional estate agencies such as Midland Realty, Centaline Property, and Ricacorp also list residential rentals. Understanding the full cost structure — including deposits, management fees, stamp duty, and agency commission — before signing any agreement is essential for avoiding financial surprises.
Hong Kong is a leading destination for international students, home to world-ranked institutions including HKU, HKUST, CUHK, PolyU, and CityU, all offering degree programmes fully taught in English. The private rental market is competitive and among the most expensive in Asia, with shared rooms starting at around 3,500 HKD/month and private studios reaching 10,000 HKD/month or more in central districts such as Sai Ying Pun, Hung Hom, and Kowloon Tong. Standard tenancy agreements in Hong Kong run for two years, with an upfront security deposit of two months' rent and a holding deposit of one month's rent required at signing. Students should also budget for a monthly management fee of approximately 12% to 15% of the rent, agency commission of around half a month's rent, and separately billed utilities. Starting the housing search at least two to three months before the semester begins is strongly recommended, as demand peaks sharply at the start of each academic year.
Finding long-term rental accommodation in Hong Kong as an international student requires careful planning, a realistic budget, and a good understanding of local rental practices. The city's private housing market is highly competitive, particularly in the weeks before each semester starts, when demand from students, graduates, and young professionals peaks simultaneously. Unlike many other study destinations, Hong Kong does not have a large purpose-built student housing sector: most students rent privately, either in shared flats with classmates or in co-living spaces offered by operators such as Weave Living. The main rental platforms used in Hong Kong include 28Hse, House730, and LetsGetHome, while traditional estate agencies such as Midland Realty, Centaline Property, and Ricacorp also list residential rentals. Understanding the full cost structure — including deposits, management fees, stamp duty, and agency commission — before signing any agreement is essential for avoiding financial surprises.
Hong Kong is one of the most expensive rental markets in Asia, and students should plan their budget carefully before arriving. Beyond the monthly rent, the total occupancy cost includes a management fee (物業管理費) of roughly 12% to 15% of the rent per month, utilities paid separately, and upfront deposits totalling up to three months' rent at the start of the lease. Students who share a flat with two or three classmates can significantly reduce their individual rent contribution, bringing costs closer to the 3,500–5,000 HKD/month range. Those seeking a private room or studio in a well-connected district such as Sai Ying Pun, Hung Hom, or Kowloon Tong should expect to pay between 6,000 and 10,000 HKD/month all-in. Starting the search at least two to three months before the semester begins is strongly recommended, as demand peaks sharply at the start of each academic year.
Fantastic, nothing to add. Mathilde managed to find us an apartment that met all our criteria. Thank you so much for your help and professionalism.
Fantastic, nothing to add. Mathilde managed to find us an apartment that met all our criteria. Thank you so much for your help and professionalism.
Gaëlle provided excellent service. We finally found accommodation that suited us. At first, I was a little pessimistic, but in the end, everything went well.
Justine was an invaluable help. She quickly found us a rental that perfectly matched our requirements. Her availability, kindness, and responsiveness are undeniable. I highly recommend her services!
By targeting the area around their campus: Sai Ying Pun and Kennedy Town for HKU, Hung Hom for PolyU, Kowloon Tong for CityU and HKBU, Sha Tin for CUHK, Tseung Kwan O and Hang Hau for HKUST. Universities also offer off-campus housing databases, and LetsGetHome publishes commission-free listings. A Home Finder based in Hong Kong can view flats for you and check each one.
The city page does not mention a guarantor: what landlords mainly require is money at signing, namely two months' deposit, one month's reservation deposit and around half a month's commission. Also have your residence permit, ID and proof of funds ready. The Home Finder helps you put together a solid application and checks with the Land Registry that the landlord really owns the flat.
A shared room costs 3,500 to 7,000 HKD a month near universities; sharing with two or three others, your part can drop to 3,500 to 5,000 HKD. A studio or private room in a well-connected area such as Sai Ying Pun, Hung Hom or Kowloon Tong costs 6,000 to 10,000 HKD including charges. Avoid sublets in public housing (HOS or PRH), which are illegal.
At least two to three months before the semester starts. Demand peaks in August-September and January-February, and good-value flats go quickly. Leases usually run for two years, often with a clause allowing you to leave after the first year with one to three months' notice: check it before signing, then have the contract registered within 30 days.
From 3,500 to 10,000 HKD a month depending on the type of housing and the area. Add management fees of 12 to 15% of the rent, plus electricity, water and gas, billed separately. At signing, keep the equivalent of three to four months' rent: one month's reservation, two months' deposit and half a month's commission. Basic insurance costs 2,000 to 4,000 HKD a year.
First contact:Your home finder offers a free call to understand your needs.
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