Just a note of advice on local agents in the small agencies. They often haven’t seen the apartment as landlords will only show them if they have a client so many don’t actually know whether the apartment suits the style you have asked for or is even worthwhile. Ask the agent to ask the landlord if it is simple/modern style and has either IKEA or Ikea styled furniture. It’s often difficult to get around this problem and you end up seeing lots of places that don’t suit your requirements. 80% of locals who buy apartments for an investment only plan to rent it out short term and live it afterwards thus they decorate it in a style that suits them. Some have the foresight to think of what foreign clients might want. Try and get some recommendations from others on good local agents.
If you have a low budget I’d suggest that you look through all the classified real estate sites which there is no shortage of and only visit places that have photos of them. This expat site has a very popular one called
http://cityspace.shanghaiexpat.com/. Keep in mind that prices are negotiable so look for places above your budget.
Also, if you find something you like submit an offer in the form of a document stating all your terms and conditions. It will show the landlord you may be interested if the price and conditions are right!! It’s not legally binding so you aren’t committed but it can put a place on HOLD for you and stop someone else taking it, at least for a little while. There aren't really sole agencies here so other agents can show other people too.
The Shanghai Government laws stipulate that a tenant and landlord is to pay 35% each of the month’s rent as a service to the agent however you can always ask the agent to try to get the landlord to pay 70%. It is a tenant’s market so it’s worth a try. The fee from the tenant should only apply to lower budget places.
Hope this helps and good luck!
Adrienne
http://www.shanghprops.com
by relocatingbob » Mon Jul 09, 2007 5:12 am 
