My company is located on Changle Road (somewhat near Hilton) and I'd much prefer to walk to work. Looking to rent a renovated 'old house' apartment for under RMB 7k/ month.

1. Is that a realistic budget?
2. I understand from the forums that some agents specialize in certain areas. Any recommendations?

Any thoughts/ comments welcomed!

Well, appearently, my own and only apartment is beyond your budget:)

My little suggestion is that you try to avoid the "F/C" tag and get a equally nice, maybe small apartment near by your work place. Too many new comers search for a target while looking at rather symbolic features, paying extra.

fattybombom wrote:My company is located on Changle Road (somewhat near Hilton) and I'd much prefer to walk to work. Looking to rent a renovated 'old house' apartment for under RMB 7k/ month.

1. Is that a realistic budget?
2. I understand from the forums that some agents specialize in certain areas. Any recommendations?

Any thoughts/ comments welcomed!

MMm, it will be not that easy to find a nice property in that budget, unless you are willing to live either in a very small place OR a place that is little bit rundown. It is more about your expectations in terms of property quality. Bottom line it is possible to find a place to live for 7 k in that area, but it may not be a palace .
I suggest you to PM, 'monalisalee'(John) from this site. He has a great agent (that I have used in the past same as a couple of my coworkers) and tons of tips for renting. He should be able to point you in the right direction towards finding your home sweet home.
Good Luck

Hi!

I have one room available in the French concession on Hua Shan road.

Contact me via: happylilypad@tom.com

April

Yes, as mentioned above, you won't get much in the FC as you have to pay extra for the LOCATION but it is worth a good try.

Please be prepared to see lots of dumps and have the patience and understanding of a saint to find a nice place if you are going to use local agents. They tend to show you everything on their books irrespective of whether it suits what you briefed them on. They have a fear that another agent will show you these other places and they will miss the deal. This can be a rather frustrating habit here.

Many agents haven’t actually been inside and seen the properties that they show you so they don’t know if it matches your needs, apart from being the right budget, size, number of beds and correct location so try to get as much detail as possible about each property offered including pictures. Unfortunately, many landlords won’t allow agents (especially in the lower end) to take photos so agents need to drill the landlord to get out details on the interior style.

PLEASE NOTE: This practice doesn't apply to RECOMMENDED AGENTS but is more of a "heads up" on the local agents on the streets and some more local agencies advertising to expats. There are lots of “new cowboys” in the expatriate leasing world because so many local sales agencies have closed down.

Have a look at our Advice on Leasing which may help you understand a little more on leasing here.

All the best!!

Adrienne

Shanghai Properties –“Expat Agents Speak YOUR Language”
http://www.shanghaiprops.com

Condesa: (F) Greetings. (wish I could make the quote thingy work).

Thanks lots for the thumbs up.
Always nice to have happy outcomes.

There are some nice places in the general area, and within walking of Changle Lu.
Buildings tend to be older, but are valued by their owners, and can be well maintained, and with a good degree of interior decoration.

O/P It would be possible to find something nice within your budget, but may take a little searching.
p.m. me your email address, and can give you another option, and should be able to help.

John.

Apologies, fattybombom (D)

Have already spoken with you before, and I did not make the connection with the O.P.

I must be getting old. (older)

Getting old...it doesn't work like that....One day you wake up and you're OLD....no getting, you just get OLD ask LOL.....she'll tell you.....

Ok Guys...did you hook up the Op in the FC......

It is being worked on, but a toughy to get a DECENT place for the money in that locale.

Good Luck...Good Hunting......I find it hard to believe you can find anything for that price....BUT This is China.....Who knows...

I will post details, (if I hear), but 10,000 may be more realistic.