Mainland CUHK Freshman Pays Full Year Rent Upfront for Sha Tin Studio
SingTao · 1 SOURCESabout 2 hours ago5 MIN
Summary
A mainland student beginning studies at the Chinese University of Hong Kong has secured a one-bedroom apartment in Sha Tin Center, paying the entire annual rent upfront in a deal that offers the property owner an exceptional 15% rental yield. Meanwhile, another rental transaction in the Yellow竹坑 area demonstrates strong demand from professional talent for MTR-connected properties near the Admiralty super interchange.
Key Points
- The unit at Sha Tin Center Block A (East Ning Building) High Floor E, measuring 288 square feet with one bedroom, was rented for HK$16,500 per month after negotiations
- The monthly rent translates to approximately HK$57 per square foot, with the tenant—a new CUHK student from the mainland—opting to pay one year in advance totaling roughly HK$198,000
- The property's owner acquired the unit in 1993 for HK$1.31 million, and this rental arrangement yields approximately 15% return on investment
- A separate transaction involved a 718-sq-ft three-bedroom suite at Blue Coast II in Yellow竹坑, Tower 3 Mid Floor H, facing southeast with pool and garden views, leased for HK$41,000 monthly
- The Blue Coast II unit was purchased brand new by its owner in 2025 for HK$16.13 million, generating a rental yield of approximately 3.1%, with the tenant attracted by its MTR connectivity just two stations from Admiralty
Why It Matters
This rental activity underscores the robust demand from mainland students and professional talent entering Hong Kong's property market, with some tenants willing to pay premium rents and full-year upfront to secure desirable units . The stark contrast between the 15% yield on the older Sha Tin property and the 3.1% yield on the newer Yellow竹坑 development highlights how purchase timing and property age significantly impact investment returns in Hong Kong's rental market .
This rental activity underscores the robust demand from mainland students and professional talent entering Hong Kong's property market, with some tenants willing to pay premium rents and full-year upfront to secure desirable units . The stark contrast between the 15% yield on the older Sha Tin property and the 3.1% yield on the newer Yellow竹坑 development highlights how purchase timing and property age significantly impact investment returns in Hong Kong's rental market .