Shanghai has many housing options, but expatriates tend to gravitate toward the same areas, due to proximity to work, school and other expatriates. Jing’An, Xintiandi, and the Former French

 

Concession are all popular neighborhoods for assignees seeking quality apartments in the downtown Puxi area. These apartments tend to be one to three bedrooms or larger, are sometimes furnished, and often feature fitness centers and pools.

For expatriate families looking for American-style suburban homes, they can find them in neighborhoods like The Emerald in Kangqiao (Pudong), and villas in Minhang District. These houses provide the necessary space for families and are conveniently located near international schools.

Residential leases typically run for 1 to 2 years. Rents are usually paid monthly, but sometimes bi- or tri-monthly. Rents are paid in advance. The landlord pays an agent’s fee of 1 month’s rent. A refundable security deposit of 2 month's rent is typically required. Rent amounts may be changed annually. The amount of any rent change is typically quoted based on the market demand and prices. Tenants pay standard utilities and household operating expenses, such as water, electricity, gas, and broadband fees. Rent and all other fees are paid in CNY.

Apartments and houses typically come pre-furnished and may include: a fitted kitchen, lighting fixtures, some appliances, air-conditioning units, blinds/curtains, hard furnishings, and soft furnishings. Building management and a taxed invoice are included in the rent. These fees typically cover costs associated with shared security, concierge, common area maintenance, use of shared facilities and amenities, garbage removal, and pest extermination.

Puxi Central (Downtown): Jing’an, Huangpu (Xintiandi & Lao Xi Men), Xuhui (Former French Concession) Property Type:Apartments, Historical Apartments (Lane houses), Serviced apartments.

Jing’an District, Xintiandi and Former French Concession are the main commercial centers of Puxi. These locales are among Shanghai’s most popular with expats, for both living and entertainment. They are also very convenient areas for public transportation (metro lines 1, 2, 7, 8, 9, 10, 12, 13), restaurants, banks, supermarkets, shopping malls, and hospitals, etc. For those with children, these areas are not very close to international schools; however, there are many bilingual kindergartens.

This area offers choices from middle to high-end properties, including standard apartments, premium apartments, and luxury serviced apartments. Historical apartments are generally smaller and less expensive. Luxury apartments tend to be brand new or refurbished with nicer furnishings. They are usually bright, spacious, and quiet, often with great views from the balconies or large terraces. Most high-end apartment compound feature with card/fob entry, concierge, attractively finished lobbies and halls, laminate wood or carpeted floors. Luxury compounds, such as Top of City and Lakeville Regency, occasionally provide sports facilities (gym, swimming pools, tennis and squash) as well.

Lane houses in the French Concession

Puxi West: Xuhui (Xujiahui), Changning (Zhongshan Park) Property Type:Apartments, Serviced apartments.

For those with a stricter budget, Changning District and Xujiahui are good choices. This area offers easy access to public transportation (metro line 2, 3 and 4 in Zhongshan Park; and metro line 1, 9, 11 in Xujiahui), and is only a 10-minute drive to Hongqiao transportation hub. It’s also only a 15-minute cab ride from Jing’an and from the Former French Concession. Residential compounds are usually within walking distance to cafés and shopping malls, which have wide varieties of restaurants and shopping available. For those with kids, these areas are also closer to international schools in the Minhang district. These areas are great for people looking to spend a bit less on rent, but still have access to cosmopolitan commodities offered by the city.

Xujiahui

Puxi West: Changning, Hongqiao/Gubei Property Type:Apartments, Serviced Apartments, Townhouses, Villas.

Hongqiao is a great area for families, and one of the earliest expat residential districts in Shanghai. Several international schools are located in this area, including Shanghai Community International School, Yew Chung International School, and Britannica International School. Hongqiao area has a good housing infrastructure and a number of entertainment options for its foreign residents. Luxury living compounds like Windsor Place, Windsor Park, and Yanlord Riverside Garden provide great sports facilities, gyms, indoor and outdoor pools, playgrounds, and convenience stores within their gates. Metro line 10, which goes straight downtown, cuts right through the heart of Hongqiao.