Fringe Dwelling
Tired of the Mid-levels hustle? Bored with Southside traffic? The islands are attracting more and more residents, but there are a few factors to consider.
Tired of the Mid-levels hustle? Bored with Southside traffic? The islands are attracting more and more residents, but there are a few factors to consider.厭倦半山區的喧鬧？港島南的交通？遷往離島的居民越來越多，但要注意一些因素。
Lantau Island has been a popular destination for families seeking a greener, more relaxed lifestyle ever since the Discovery Bay development opened to residents in the mid-1980s. In the decades since, more and more people have discovered the pleasures of island living, be it on Lantau (DB, Pui O and Mui Wo), Lamma, Cheng Chau or the emergent Peng Chau. However, life on the outlying islands does have its drawbacks.
Buyers Beware
“When we were trying to renovate our village house, the price to get the work done went through the roof because there were no, or few, contractors with the resources we needed on Lantau,” says Mui Wo resident Peggy (requesting anonymity). “Getting the littlest things—timber, tiles, these blocks for the kids' rooms we wanted—just cost more. And don't get me started on the fact that I have all of one choice for an internet provider, and only particular days I can get deliveries from places like Oliver's. And at a price, of course.”
Anyone who lives in a tong lau on Hong Kong Island or in Kowloon knows some utilities, chiefly telephone and internet, come free of consumer choice. The older the building, the less likely more than one communications provider has installed the necessary infrastructure required for choice (they'll just have PCCW). Delivery services come at a premium on specified days, school networks can be thin, and most famously, island dwellers (with the exception of Lantau) are often tied to a ferry schedule. Nonetheless, the outlying islands (technically part of the New Territories) remain a popular residential alternative, particularly for sporty individuals and families.
“Families are attracted to Lantau Island for the abundant green space, peaceful neighbourhoods and supportive communities,” says Kelly Merrick at Homesolutions Real Estate in Lantau. “Lantau has great schools, wonderful hiking trails, stunning beaches and is family- and pet-friendly.” Lantau, Hong Kong's biggest island, has the most developed schools outside Hong Kong and Kowloon, but locations such as Peng Chau and Cheung Chau have fewer options for secondary and/ or international education. While families may be attracted to the islands, they need to think long term in addition to considering how much they value convenience.
Value Added
However, with expatriate salary packages becoming increasingly frugal and Hongkongers of all stripes facing rising home prices and rental costs, a case can be made for the outlying islands. With the gap between rents and prices on Hong Kong Island and Kowloon, and Hong Kong and the New Territories (which includes the islands) shrinking, the cost factor may be fading but for now it's still there. “South Lantau is still below the average for both rents and price per square foot compared to most areas in Kowloon and Hong Kong,” argues Merrick. “You can still get a 2,100-square-foot village house for around HK$38,000 per month.” Tenants are still able to find flats for as little as HK$6,000 per month or HK$10 million on Cheung Chau; entire village houses and luxury flats can be found for HK$50,000. Despite transit and delivery drawbacks, being close to the beach and lush country parks, and having 2,000 square feet to indulge in for a relative bargain, does hold its appeal.
Not all islands are created equal. Lantau is easily the most developed, but Lamma's rural elements and wild environment have created a bohemian vibe; Peng Chau is emerging as an affordable, more relaxed alternative to DB. Regardless of her contractor issues, Peggy doesn't regret the move. “It's nice to wake up in the morning and see trees,” she says, also citing a healthier lifestyle.
“Hong Kong can be very fast paced,” finishes Merrick. “Having a more private and peaceful place to go home to makes for a better work/life balance.”
While families may be attracted to the islands, they need to think long term in addition to considering how much they value convenience.
Look the Part
If you're seriously considering a move to the islands, you may need to think about style. While the rain, humidity, wind and sun may bathe the entirety of the SAR, those same conditions can be more extreme beyond the confines of the city. “With an abundance of greenery around, many homes are built to bring the outdoors in, and may feature large windows or wonderful outdoor spaces that allow you to feel in touch with Mother Nature,” theorises TREE'S managing director Kate Babington. No matter where you live in Hong Kong, dehumidifiers can be essential to avoid mould, and on the islands in particular the lack of tall buildings increases the volume of natural light. In addition to the heat the sun brings, there are fabrics and some woods that fade over time under direct sun. “We always recommend using curtains or blinds to help regulate the amount of natural light coming in. This will also keep your home cool and reduce the need for air conditioning,” notes Babington. Wood is inherently photoreactive (oak fades, cherry gets dark) so the right one is key, as are fabrics and colours that are resistant to sun fading (polyester blends, light tones). But is there such as thing as urban island chic? Yes, says Babington. It's casual without being informal, leans towards inviting natural tones and textures, and incorporates the surrounding environment: glass that reflects the sea, embroidery that references greenery, and vibrant shades that recall vivid sunsets.
“Consider working with reclaimed boat and teak wood, whose raw weathered surfaces lend a rustic and relaxed look perfect for an island-chic home,” Babington suggests, adding that cotton and linen are the ideal choice for fabrics, as both are sturdy, lightweight and breathable for the perpetual island summer. “We also recommend weaving in rugs and finishing touches handcrafted from natural fibres, which can help add a grounding element to your space.”