Expat Guide to Renting Homes in Hong Kong and Seoul
As a Taiwanese professional, I’ve had the opportunity to live in both Hong Kong and Seoul for short-term work assignments—typically one to two months at a time. While I wasn’t settling down permanently, the process of finding rental homes in Hong Kong and navigating expat housing in Seoul came with its own set of challenges.
This article is a personal reflection on my rental experiences, highlighting key considerations when searching for Hong Kong apartments for rent as an expat, and explaining the rental system in Korea. If you're planning a short-term stay or relocation, I hope this guide helps you avoid common pitfalls and make smarter housing decisions abroad.
Renting in Hong Kong: High Prices and Limited Options
The most frustrating part of finding expat rentals in Hong Kong is the combination of limited availability and high cost. Unlike Taiwan, where guesthouses and short-term studios are common, Hong Kong’s rental market is far less flexible for temporary stays.
Key Things to Know About Rental Homes in Hong Kong
- Lease Restrictions: Standard leases are typically two years. The first year is a fixed term (non-breakable), and the second year allows early termination with notice. This setup is not ideal for short-term expats, as most Hong Kong apartments for rent require a minimum one-year commitment.
- Stamp Duty Requirement: All leases must be registered and subject to stamp duty within 30 days. If not paid, the lease won’t be legally recognized in court. Many overseas renters overlook this extra cost, which adds to the overall expense.
- High Rent: In central areas, monthly rent for a single unit usually starts from HKD 13,000–14,000. This price doesn’t guarantee furniture or modern renovations. Amenities like gyms or lounges vary widely in quality, and some buildings offer none at all. Viewing properties in person with an agent is often necessary to assess the environment and facilities.
- Intense Market Competition: Popular listings are snapped up quickly, leaving little time for renters to consider their options. For newly arrived expats still adjusting to the city, this fast-paced rental market can be overwhelming.
- Subdivided Flats: For those on a tighter budget, subdivided units (known locally as “cage homes”) are available. However, these typically require a two-year lease and offer extremely limited space. Many such units fail to meet fire safety and building standards, making them a risky choice.
- Limited Listings on Rental Platforms: According to Hong Kong’s Hotel and Guesthouse Accommodation Ordinance, any rental offering stays under 28 days must be licensed. This makes it difficult to find legal, well-reviewed short-term rentals online.
Renting in Seoul: More Options, But a Complex System
Compared to Hong Kong, Seoul homes for rent offer more variety, from studio apartments (“one rooms”) to shared flats. However, for expats, the real challenge lies in navigating Korea’s complex rental system, language barriers, and cultural differences.
Many listings are only available in Korean, and most landlords don’t speak English. This makes every step—from viewing to signing contracts and requesting repairs—more difficult. Korea’s rental system is also very different from Taiwan or Hong Kong, and without local help or a professional agent, it’s easy to get caught off guard by contract terms or deposit requirements.
Understanding Expat Housing in Seoul
- Jeonse (Key Money Lease): Requires a large upfront deposit—typically 50–80% of the property’s value—with no monthly rent. The deposit is returned at the end of the lease. While this can be cost-effective long-term, it’s risky for foreigners. If the landlord faces financial issues, recovering the deposit can be difficult, and legal recourse is limited for non-Korean speakers.
- Wolse (Monthly Rent): Involves a smaller deposit (usually 10–20 times the monthly rent) plus monthly payments. It’s more suitable for short-term stays, but still expensive overall. Contracts are often complex and written in Korean, making it hard to understand the fine print.
- Tenant Protection Laws: Korean law offers protections like two-year lease extensions, rent increase caps (max 5%), and deposit insurance through HUG. However, these systems are hard to navigate for foreigners, as applications and processes are mostly in Korean.
- Short-Term Rental Legality: While Airbnb is legal in Seoul, it’s heavily regulated. Hosts must register and are limited to a specific number of rental days (e.g., 30 days). Illegal short-term rentals pose risks—tenants may be evicted or lose legal protection, and it’s hard for foreigners to verify a listing’s legitimacy.
My Personal Experience Renting in Hong Kong and Korea
As an expat, my schedule was packed. Client meetings during the day, reports and emails at night. I initially thought any place to sleep would suffice, but I quickly realized that housing quality directly affects your ability to function and feel at ease.
In unfamiliar cities, even basic tasks like doing laundry, taking out the trash, or cleaning the kitchen can become stressors. Many short-term rentals lacked maintenance, had cramped layouts, and outdated appliances. Language barriers and cultural differences made it hard to report issues or ask for help.
Eventually, I chose to stay at Weave Living properties in both cities. Whether searching for expat apartments in Hong Kong or expat housing in Seoul, Weave offered a level of comfort and ease I hadn’t experienced elsewhere. The rooms were clean and well-equipped, with shared kitchens and social spaces. Best of all, regular cleaning services meant I didn’t have to worry about chores. On weekends, I even joined community events like movie nights and mixers, which helped me meet new people and feel a sense of belonging in a foreign city.
Why I Recommend Weave Living
- Move-In Ready: No need to buy furniture or household items, just bring your suitcase.
- Regular Cleaning: A lifesaver for busy professionals.
- Community Events: Build connections and feel at home, even abroad.
- Convenient Locations: Close to metro stations and shopping districts.
- English-Speaking Support: Hassle-free communication for international residents.
Final Thoughts
For me, the turning point was choosing Weave Living. It wasn’t just a place to stay, it was a space where I could feel safe, relaxed, and supported. When housing becomes simple, work and life can finally find balance.
Whether you’re looking for rental homes in Hong Kong or Seoul homes for rent, the challenges of expat life are real, from legal restrictions and language barriers to everyday logistics. This blog shares my personal journey and outlines key rental considerations in both cities. If you’re struggling with housing abroad, start by choosing a place that feels right. A good home can turn a temporary assignment into a memorable chapter of your life.