A dedicated team for expat relocations
At our main office in Middle Huaihai Road, only a stone’s throw away from Shanghai Library, we have formed a small team that specializes in expat relocations: from house hunting, to city orientation, over to visa applications, we have experts that have proven time and time again their ability to find effective and efficient solutions for all issues expats face when moving to or within Shanghai.
Fluent English-speaking consultants
All staff members of HAO Realty that you will be in contact with speak English fluently. While some expats have prepared their assignment extensively and have taken Chinese language classes that helps to navigate day-to-day life, the negotiation of a rental contract, or registration formalities are a whole different game. As our consultants speak fluent English they can take full charge of these processes after carefully listening to your ideas and requirements and providing you with educated feedback.
Real estate agents with expat expertise
Working with expats coming to Shanghai for years already, our real estate team has developed a comprehensive understanding of expats’ needs and expectations. It is no secret that Chinese tenants and home buyers have a different idea of what makes a good home. Terms like high-end and spacious have different meanings for most local-oriented real estate agents. Western families have completely different cooking habits than Chinese ones, and thus have different requirements for kitchen appliances. Chinese refer to every detached house, and to some multi-family townhouses even, as a ‘villa’, while this term is originally reserved for the luxury segment of the single family housing segment. Someties even the definition of what constitutes a balcony (you will often find that an oriel or bay is called balcony). Our consultants are well aware of these and more potential misunderstandings and will communicate clearly. They are also fully familiar with the legal rekquirements for foreigners’ accommodation and can arrange the police registration for you (even though registration in Shanghai became a lot easier in 2019).
Outstanding market knowledge
Beside the above mentioned communication issues, a good real estate agent for expats must also know the most suitable properties and newest developments relevant to expats. There are around 150 apartment complexes that enjoy high demand from expats due to their location, housing quality, security, and onsite facilities. Expat families also tend to gather in certain villa complexes, which is great especially for expat kids who then can quickly find new friends in their new environment. Our real estate agents frequently visit workshops, keep up-to-date with real estate news, and of course keep in touch with their clients, so that they are always able to show you the best properties for your situation.