House Hunting in Shanghai: How to Evaluate Your Future Hom
Visiting properties is the most exciting—yet demanding—part of your relocation. In a fast-moving market like Shanghai, being prepared is the difference between finding a "hidden gem" and missing out.
At Here | Housing & Coliving Solutions, we streamline your viewing schedule to maximize your time and ensure you see only the highest-quality listings.
1. 📆 Strategic Scheduling
Coordinate with your Here agent to group viewings by neighborhood.
Pro Tip: We recommend viewing properties during the day to assess natural light and neighborhood noise levels accurately.
2. 📋 Define Your "Must-Haves" vs. "Nice-to-Haves"
Before the first door opens, have a clear hierarchy of needs.
Considerations: Distance to the nearest Metro (e.g., Line 2 or 10), proximity to a specific international school, or the need for a dedicated home office space.
3. 🏡 The Initial Flow Assessment
As you enter, pay attention to the layout. In Shanghai, older Lane Houses often have unique, vertical layouts, while Modern Compounds offer open-plan living. Does the "flow" of the apartment match your daily routine?
4. 🔎 The "Deep-Dive" Inspection
Our Here representatives will help you look beyond the surface.
Checklist: Test the water pressure, look for signs of dampness (common in older FFC buildings), check the seal on windows for noise insulation, and verify the age of the AC units.
5. 💬 Real-Time Consultations
Ask our agents the "unspoken" questions:
What is the typical utility cost for this size of unit?
How responsive is this specific landlord to repair requests?
Are there any upcoming construction projects nearby?
6. 🏙️ Neighborhood Vibe & Connectivity
A great apartment in the wrong neighborhood is a mistake you’ll feel every day. Take 10 minutes after the viewing to walk to the nearest convenience store or coffee shop. Is the street well-lit? Is there a gym or wet market nearby?
7. 👀 Comparing Your Shortlist
After seeing 3–5 properties, use a rational comparison matrix. We provide our clients with a summary of each property visited, including pros, cons, and total monthly estimated costs.
8. 📸 Visual Documentation
Shanghai apartments can start to look the same after a long day of viewings. Use your phone to take photos of specific details: the view from the window, the interior of the closets, and the laundry setup.
9. 📑 Previewing the Terms
If you like a property, we will immediately provide a draft of the Letter of Intent (LOI). Understanding the landlord's flexibility on the start date or deposit terms early on prevents surprises during the contract phase.
10. ✅ Decisive Action
In Shanghai’s prime districts (Jing’an, Xuhui), the best properties can be off the market in 24 hours. Once you have made a rational decision based on your checklist, your Here agent will move quickly to secure the unit.
Your Shanghai Search Starts Here
Navigating the city's vast housing market is easier with an expert by your side. Let Here | Housing & Coliving Solutions guide you to the perfect stay.
📧 Book your viewing tour: hello@hereici.com
🌐 Browse our curated listings: www.hereici.com
