Nanjing Accommodation

What are the top factors to keep in mind when searching for a place to live in your city?
If your budget will allow, it is better to rent from a developer. Private landlords can be unreliable by comparison. Keep in mind that even if you're working with a high budget, your expectations should be realistic. If you're from the US, UK or Australia, the housing you'll find will often not be of the quality you're used to.

It's advisable to finalize your permanent accommodation two months before actual relocation. This way you can be assured that you can get a property that you have actually viewed instead of a substitute unit within the compound. Most landlords are not willing to wait more than two months before actual lease start date; they'd rather rent out to another tenant who can begin the lease earlier. Before signing the lease agreement, do ensure that all agreed-to additional requirements (including accurate furniture list) have been accounted for. It's next to impossible to ask for anything after lease has been signed.

Sometimes, you may find yourself in a situation where the landlord of the unit you are interested in will turn around in the midst of your negotiation and go with another party/tenant who has offered to pay a higher rent. Though not often, it happens!
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What are the most popular neighborhoods in your city for expats?
Nanjing is divided into nine districts (Gu Lou, Xuan Wu, Bai Xia, Yu Hua Tai, Jiang Ning, Qing Huai, Jian Ye, Qi Xia, and Xia Guan).

Most families with children favor the districts in Jiang Ning because of the proximity to the British School of Nanjing, and Xuan Wu because of its proximity to the Nanjing International School (NIS). The Jiang Ning District is located approximately 40-50 minutes from the city center. This new and vibrant community is home to the Jiang Ning Economic & Technological Development Zone which is base to many multinational companies and their families, boasting a cleaner environment and large, secure, gated, family homes/villas. Many of these villa compounds provide state-of-the art facilities such as gyms/saunas, supermarkets, and restaurants.

The Xuan Wu District is close to the center of town. It is home to the beautiful Xuan Wu Lake and is in close proximity to shopping & food streets, a vast amount of villa compounds and first-rate apartment complexes. These compounds provide indoor/outdoor swimming pools, restaurants and are close to international supermarkets and a popular nightclub district for foreigners. The Xuan Wu district also has easy access to metro (subway) routes and the Nanjing train station.

Many couples or singles arriving in Nanjing favor the Bai Xia District which is the center of town. Bai Xia is vibrant, energy filled and is scattered with high-rise apartment buildings, serviced apartments, international department stores and supermarkets such as Wal-Mart and Carrefour, and a restaurant and bar district. These cater to everyone’s pallet, and are all within walking distance.

For any questions regarding housing in Nanjing, please contact Crown Nanjing.
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Do expats tend to buy or rent their homes?
Almost all expats rent their homes, as assignments tend to last only two to three years.
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Typically, will I be required to pay additional money up front (such as a deposit) before moving into leased housing? If so, how much is common?
The standard practice is to pay a deposit equivalent to two months’ rent in addition to your first month’s rent in advance of your actual check-in date. Depending on your requirements, this may be as soon as the lease is signed.
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Are utilities generally included in the price of rent, or are they extra?
As a general rule, these are not included. However, it is possible to negotiate inclusion of some in the rental.
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Are there special security concerns I should be aware of in regards to my home or choice of neighborhood?
Nanjing is regarded as a safe city. You are unlikely to hear about or experience violent crime. However, just to be safe, most housing compounds for expats are guarded. The most common form of crime in Nanjing is pickpocketing in crowded places.
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I’m not sure if I should bring my appliances. What is the electric current, Hz and plug shape in your city?
The electric current in China is 220 volts. The electrical Hertz (Hz) is 50. Appliances in China are relatively cheap and it may be more convenient if you purchase regular items here after your actual relocation. Voltage transformers aren't easily sourced.

The "official" plug type is like Type A, but slightly shorter and without holes in blades. Type "A" and "I" outlets are common and Type "G" might also be found.

Below are examples of the types of plugs that are used in China:
Type A - flat blade attachment plug
Type A plug

Type I - Oblique flat blades with ground (inverted V)
Type I Plug

Type G - Rectangular blade plug
Type G plug

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Do you have any other accommodation information that might help me?
Nanjing is a city undergoing a lot of construction. It is always best to see if your accommodation is close to a building site or is likely to be affected by a new construction site. Often construction will be 24/7, creating an uncomfortable living situation for surrounding tenants.
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IMPORTANT NOTE:
Crown Relocations has made every effort to present accurate information. However, regulations, rates and other variables are subject to change and Crown Relocations cannot accept responsibility for the errors that might result. Should you have any questions or need additional information, please contact your local Crown representative.