Realtor Julie King says Hong Kong holds many lifestyle attractions for overseas executives and their families

Julie King, manager of Town and Country Properties, has been assisting people to buy, lease and set up home in Hong Kong for almost 20 years. After spending several years as a senior negotiator for a multinational real estate company, she joined the family-owned business in 1994. Ms King believes that helping people to find and settle into a home where they are comfortable enhances the work and living experience in Hong Kong.

"Working in the real estate industry means that I meet many people from different countries, in varying professions and industries. My goal is to find them a 'home away from home' while they are living in Hong Kong. Over the years, I have made many new friends, and had a lot of satisfaction from finding a client the home they are looking for. I remember one client asked for a property where he could listen to birds singing before he went to work. He was delighted when I found him a property where he could watch and listen to dozens of different types of birds.

As Hong Kong is the regional headquarters for numerous multinational companies, there is a continuous challenge to meet different housing expectations and needs for international executives. There are those who want to live in the heart of the city to be close to their work, and others who prefer to live slightly away from the business district among Hong Kong's spectacular scenery. Superb roads and frequent public transport services make this a viable alternative.

Surging investment boosts demand

The outlook for Hong Kong's property sector is upwardly positive - due in part to Cepa, the closer economic partnership arrangement. A large portion of the surging investment in the Chinese mainland by both local and overseas businesspeople relies on Hong Kong as the regional financial hub. The knock on effect is a demand for properties to suit all needs, ranging from spacious apartments in luxury development projects, to free standing homes with lawns and swimming pools. I believe Hong Kong's well-deserved reputation for safety and wide range of recreational and study facilities will continue to attract multinational companies, their executives and their families.

The introduction of the Estates Agents Ordinance, which came into practice in 1997, has elevated the professionalism of the industry and increased client and landlord confidence. There is also a trend for landlords to spend a great deal of consideration on interior design and facilities to make their tenants comfortable.

Service above and beyond

As a small company our goal is to provide a personalised, friendly service that goes beyond the expected. This includes help to recruit domestic helpers, choosing a school, introductions to sporting and recreational activities and even finding a family pet; and our work doesn't finish once the transaction is completed. We believe in forging long-term relationships with all parties, and this applies whether clients are leasing or buying. 

I am on call 24-hours a day seven days a week. Any free time I like to spend supervising mini-rugby, which my grandson plays, and taking part in school parent and teacher activities."

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Town and Country Properties