Slowly getting fed up living in a high-rise zoo, I am seriously planning (and actually it's been my dream for a long time) to move into some old style house with a small garden.. Rooftop garden or a ground floor garden. This summer, to be precise. It's not villa etc., just a place like around 100 sq.m. 2-3 br etc. preferably in French concession or if not then anywhere given the transportation is convenient.

Is it real to get it in this city for between $500-$1000 / month?

my be 25kms away may be
nanar747

Not in the french consession. Lane Houses, if renovated will easily go for +USD 1.500, these are typically 100sqm, sometimes with the attic renovated in to a room as well, adding another 20/30 sqm.

A good friend of mine found a great apartment on XinLe Road that had three bedrooms, a large living room and the best garden I have seen in Shanghai... he paid about RMB6000 per month which was shocking! The decor wasn't great but he wanted it for the garden. They can be found, albeit with difficult. He is fluent in Mandarin and Shanghainese and a skilled negotiator, which was probably beneficial. A trusted translator (if needed) and working knowledge or the average rents for surrounding buildings will be a huge help in your seach.

thanks magnolia. basically i am looking for a deal so that i pay less than rmb10k for a place i don't care if there's any 'decor' at all, but it has to be acceptable location, small garden, long term with an option of buying it out etc. etc. etc. then i'll invest in the "decor" or even renovation myself... no way $1500 place "25km away" :-\