Soho

Perks: if you want to be close to the action, this is the place to be. The character and buzz comes from the mix of old and new Hong Kong. For example, modern apartments towering over the Sun Yat-sen Historical Trail, points of historical interest that encompass century old steps and off-grid residential lanes. There’s also scope for creative renovations of older buildings.

Properties: a mix of commercial and mid to high-rise - mostly compact - residential. The area became more popular after the escalator was completed in 1993, particularly with expats seeking cheaper rent minutes from Central. Many think of Soho as the nightlife mecca of Elgin and Staunton Streets. But quieter, leafy side streets with character-filled residential buildings are tucked behind the façade.

Amenities: a shopping hub with world-class restaurants, cafes, gyms, international and local supermarkets, spas, nightclubs, pre-schools, offices and, of course, access to the Mid-Levels escalator. Minutes from the heart of the city.

Transport: walking to the Central harbourfront takes about 15 minutes, but a taxi ride is less than 10 minutes. Mini-buses whisk passengers across the island from Hollywood Road – the link road that winds its away across the base of the area. Double Decker buses transport to and from Soho to Central and nearby Admiralty.

Perks: if you want to be close to the action, this is the place to be. The character and buzz comes from the mix of old and new Hong Kong. For example, modern apartments towering over the Sun Yat-sen Historical Trail, points of historical interest that encompass century old steps and off-grid residential lanes. There’s also scope for creative renovations of older buildings.