Living in Square Street to Tai Ping Shan in Sheung Wan

If you are looking for one of the coolest neighbourhoods on Hong Kong Island, Sheung Wan holds some of the best streets in which to live. Being an inner-city suburb, there are many attractions and benefits that suit young singles and couples that want all the advantages of an easy work commute and want to be right in the mix of all the restaurants and bars that Soho holds only a short stroll away. 

Among the first areas of modern-day Hong Kong Island that the British forces settled, Sheung Wan's identity has changed substantially throughout the city's history. Situated on the western fringes of Hong Kong’s Central district, Sheung Wan is one of the city’s most vibrant neighbourhoods, teeming with boutique shops, not to mention quirky bars and restaurants. An eclectic amalgamation of new and old and a microcosm of the bustling metropolis, it’s the perfect place to wander through, passing ramshackle old buildings and shiny new storefronts that reflect the city’s unique character.

Some of the best streets of Sheung Wan are located behind the Man Mo Temple on Hollywood Road. Square Street, Tai Ping Shan Street, Pound Lane, Tung Street and other streets that make up these few localized blocks are so popular that apartments are readily taken as they are made available for rent.

Cultural, Quirky and Innovative

Boutique fashion brands, coffee houses, creative agencies, art galleries, delicatessens, restaurants and tea shops all make up this diverse neighbourhood with a definite hip community atmosphere. There are plenty of parks and recreational areas surrounding this area such as Blake Gardens recreational park and Possession Park which was the first point of contact when the British arrived centuries before. The art gallery and antique stores of Hollywood Road are on the doorstep with the colourful Cat Street shops and stalls providing all sorts of local Hong Kong and Chinese collectibles and paraphernalia.

Living Here

Mixed in amongst the varied style of buildings are shop fronts with retail and businesses that take the ground floor space with apartments located above. This is the traditional style of older Chinese buildings; many being a walk-up with no lifts and offer much larger spaces with a lot of character. Amongst these precious low rise architectural gems, most of which were built in the 1940s, 50s and 60s era, which are usually only 5 or 6 storeys high, there are the newer high rise residential developments that can tower over 25 storeys high.

The Character

The older buildings (some very good examples sit on Tai Ping Street) are a dream to renovate, with high ceilings, art deco windows and nice curves or lines on the outside facades. Many have been given ultra-glamorous makeovers internally by keen owners who realize owning property so close to the city centre and maintaining it to a high level will always keep a high return on their investment. If you wish to buy an investment property in Hong Kong, contact your local investment real estate agent for additional assistance in searching for your next best property.

For renters, there is only an upside when you secure the keys to your trendy and cool new pad. Your new home may have an outdoor terrace, a rooftop entertaining area, or an open plan, New York style layout with larger bedrooms and living spaces. These low-rise apartment buildings are generally a walk up, however the benefits for your health and larger living spaces outweigh any inconvenience.

Modern High Rise

The newer, luxury real estate was built between the 1980s and the present. They can offer reception areas and concierge services, with on-site facilities that can include swimming pools and fitness gyms. These are built with working professionals in mind and normally vary from studios to 2 bedders. Top floors and penthouses may be larger depending on the building’s internal layout. A couple of popular high rise apartment buildings in the area are Rich View Terrace, Cherry Court and View Villa.

Rich View Terrace

Rich View Terrace, built in 1992, is located on Square Street in a quiet area around the corner from the Man Mo Temple on Hollywood Road. It is a distinctive pink building of 27 floors with a layout of 8 apartments per floor. It is situated down the hill from The Blake Garden Park under Caine Road. Each flat has one or two bedrooms with one bathroom and is suitable for singles or young couples. The higher floors have excellent views and plenty of light. The building has good 24-hour security with CTV cameras in the lifts, lobby and entrance. There is very limited parking on the ground floor level.

View Villa

Completed in 1999, this 25 storey block is located in the heart of Sheung Wan on Tai Ping Shan, next to Blake Garden. It has 75 apartments, therefore 3 units per floor, ranging from 367-396 sf saleable areas. They are all 1 or 2 bedrooms, and some are fully furnished. They are a short walk to the restaurants on Hollywood Road.

Cherry Crest

Located in the trendy area overlooking Blake Garden recreation area, this single, modern high rise of 32 storeys was completed in 2005 and contains 64 spacious apartments, with internal layouts of only 2 apartments per floor. The 'A' apartments are 772 sf saleable and the 'B' ones are 696 sf saleable. They all have balconies with good views. On site facilities include a children’s play area, Clubhouse with jacuzzi and sauna, fitness center and an outdoor swimming pool. There is car parking at the building, so some apartments come with car parks.

If living in this area has piqued your interest, contact our real estate agents in Hong Kong at Engel & Volkers for more information and viewings of the luxury homes for sale and rental. Engel & Volkers’ product portfolio ranges from elite homes, luxury mansions, premium residential properties, and other real estate for sale in Hong Kong.

Visit our website at https://www.hongkongev.com