June Chen
A serviced apartment hotel under the brand Horizon Hotels & Suites, developed by CK Asset Holdings (1113), announced the launch of a Famitel Elite long-term rental service, with incentives specific to mainland and overseas talent who work in the city.
From September 13, talent who rent a home in Harbourfront Horizon Suites in Hung Hom for six months or more can enjoy a series of offerings, including the choice of designated suites with a view of Victoria Harbour or Hong Kong's spectacular skyline, WiFi and Netflix, a coffee machine and room cleaning services.
The developer said many talent who have just arrived prefer to rent rather than buy a home. In the past six months, Harbourfront Horizon Suites has received inquiries from more than 500 talent, a strong showing for rental demand, and so the company offered incentives to attract clients.
These incentives were first implemented in the Harbourfront Horizon Hotel, which is only minutes away from the Tsim Sha Tsui, Hung Hom and Whampoa MTR stations as well as the Cross-Harbour Tunnel and the ferry pier. It boasts a beautiful harbor view and spacious, air-conditioned suites with home appliances, like a TV, double-top induction stove, washer, refrigerator, microwave oven and in-room electronic safe.
CK Asset believes that as the number of talent coming to Hong Kong increases, the demand for long-term rental hotels will also increase.
Besides the Harbourfront Horizon, the other three hotels under the Horizon Hotels & Suites brand are the Harbourview Horizon Suites in Hung Hom, Horizon Suites in Ma On Shan and Apex Horizon Suites in Kwai Chung.
Riding the wave of increasing rental demand from talent, many rental projects have various offerings aimed at these newcomers.
SHKP Lifestyle community, a platform set up by Sun Hung Kai Properties' (0016) leasing brand Signature Homes, is offering guides to newly-arrived talent who rent homes under the brand, which will provide comprehensive information and handy advice on all aspects of living in Hong Kong. It also serves as a platform for mutual assistance, allowing newcomers to share their life experiences and receive support in integrating into Hong Kong and their work environment.
SHKP Signature Homes managing director Derek Sun Wei-kong said: "The number of incoming talent has significantly increased following the government's promotion of the Top Talent Pass Scheme. SHKP Lifestyle aims to cultivate a supportive and friendly community that encourages interaction among talents while also opening up new opportunities."
As part of this initiative, Signature Homes has launched Townplace West Kowloon, a serviced rental "talent apartment" which provides premium accommodation and aims to cultivate a talent community.
In related news, Sino Residential Leasing, a leasing brand operated by Sino Group, launched the "Sino Talent Pass" initiative.
It offers up to 14 rent-free days and HK$12,000 in dining vouchers and shopping coupons to eligible tenants who are qualified professionals. They must be part of any of the following government programs: the Top Talent Pass Scheme, exit endorsement for talent, general employment policy, immigration arrangements for non-local graduates, technology talent admission scheme, quality migrant admission scheme and admission scheme for mainland talents and professionals.
The offer is only applicable to new lease contracts starting on or before December 31, with a minimum tenancy period of three months.
