Property is expensive in Hong Kong. It depends on your package as to what type of place you are willing to live in or rent. Apartment dwelling is the norm though and very few people on the island live in houses. Further out, in the New Territories and on the outlying islands it is possible to rent a village house or a larger home, however the downside is that you may be required to spend more time getting to and from your house. It depends on your needs and what you are looking for accommodation wise.

Generally places are rented for a two year lease with one month's rent as a bond. Make sure you have a diplomatic type clause in your contract allowing you to break your lease in the event that you are suddenly transferred or required to leave the island otherwise lease-breaking can become an expensive proposition.

Don't feel compelled to limit your searches to the typical expatriate enclaves such as Stanley and Repulse Bay. You can often get more for your money if you are prepared to live in different areas.

Contact a good real estate agent. Personally I would recommend being very specific with your needs. When searching for a four bedroomed apartment, I was shown a huge range of one, two bedroom and three bed-roomed places and urged to be flexible. Make sure that you are quite clear as to what you are prepared to compromise on and what is essential otherwise you will waste a great deal of time.

Normally you will be picked up by a real estate agent in their car and they will drive you around. You do not need to pay anything for this service as they receive commission from both you and the tenant.