19 June 2019 - Summer holiday is for children: wrapping up their final exams, shoving school bags and textbooks deep into the cupboard and off they go, care-free, having all the fun in the world. On the contrary, it could well be the busiest time of the year for parents, especially those who are pulling their hair out in preparation of their kids’ primary school interviews. Those who have their eyes set on particular primary school catchment may even want to go the extra mile, renting a new home close to their children’s potential new school. Apart from convenience, there is a huge advantage in doing so - living closeby adds to the “score” a child gets while being considered for a school place. OKAY.com has compiled this guide with a selection of premium three-bedroom apartments in highly sought-after areas to hopefully alleviate some of that stress.
On Hong Kong Island, School Catchment 11 is perhaps the most well-regarded. It covers the Central and Western District, which houses some of the most renowned schools such as St. Peter's Primary School, St. Stephen's Girls' Primary School and Sacred Heart Canossian School, among others. Residential units are abundant in Mid-Levels, the Peak, Central, Sheung Wan, Sai Ying Pun, Shek Tong Tsui and Kennedy Town. Among those districts, Mid-Levels West has lots to offer: It is close to some of the best schools in the area, connected to a comprehensive network of public transport, as well as the 800 metres long Central-Mid-Levels escalator, which allows easy access to Central and other areas.
The Imperial Court at Conduit Road, built around 23 years ago, offers a three-bedroom, two-bathroom, 963 square foot unit that comes with a rare 1,000 square foot rooftop. With 2-4 flats per floor, the unit is asking for $68,000 per month in exchange for safety and quality of life - the housing estate is equipped with 24-hour security, shuttle bus, children’s playground, sports facilities etc.
Another unit, located in Robinson Heights on Robinson Road, is slightly bigger at 1,057 square foot. On top of the previously mentioned facilities, residents can enjoy clubhouse facilities and an outdoor swimming pool. This fully furnished designer apartment costs $70,000 per month in rent.
If you prefer to be a bit closer to Admiralty and Causeway Bay, School Catchment 12 covering Wan Chai, Causeway Bay, Happy Valley is your best bet. Some of the most popular schools in the area include St. James's Primary School, Hennessy Road Government Primary School, St. Joseph's Primary School and Marymount Elementary School. A 1,485 square foot apartment at Monmouth Terrace provides four rooms, two bathrooms, a balcony and covered parking space. Your privacy, living in the only flat on the entire floor, is also guaranteed at $60,000 per month.
If facilities such as gym and swimming pool are essential to you, Winfield Building at Happy Valley’s Ventris Road may just be perfect. A 1,304 square foot unit is asking $88,000 per month. Got a bigger budget?
One can enjoy double the space (around 2,750 square feet) with four bedrooms, three bathrooms in Tai Hang’s Fontana Gardens at $120,000 per month.
Over on the Kowloon side, School Catchment 34, 35, 41 covering the Kowloon Tong area are always in high demand with some of Hong Kong’s top schools in the district, namely Diocesan Boys' School Primary Division, La Salle Primary School, Maryknoll Convent School, Primary Section etc. These schools also offer a unique edge as children who perform well can expect to enroll into the affiliated secondary schools. A 1,000 square foot unit at Beacon Hill’s Pearl Court shares the floor with three other units and can be yours at $50,000 a month.
One Beacon Hill, which was built in 2014, presents a newer option at a similar price level. A 1,149 square foot unit surrounded by mountains with comprehensive clubhouse and sports facilities is asking $60,000 each month.
These premium apartments are selected as a reference to help you in making arguably the most important decision that will shape your children’s future. Good luck, and happy house hunting!