Beijing, China Apartment Hunting 2021 + Rent Prices, Tours and Tips

[@Welshtravelled]

There's nothing I love more than a moving Vlog!! Waiting for the next 😂 - Beijing is so much cheaper than Shanghai...here you'd be looking at minimum 7500 for a one bedroom apartment🥲

[@AleeseLightyear]

Thank youuuu!! Beijing is inching closer and closer to those Shanghai prices. Now it's time for the jobs to start increasing salaries the way these landlords keep hiking up the prices!

[@johnnychannel7824]

@@AleeseLightyear it is just like the inflation in the US right now. We have to find the job with better paid to catch up with inflation or we become homelessness.

[@AleeseLightyear]

@@johnnychannel7824 The grind to find higher-paying jobs never stops!

[@FreedomWriter3]

The first apartment was a hard ass NO for me. Not only was the kitchen fighting for its life, but the toilet in the shower completely lost me. The loft had my whole entire heart though. ❤

[@goldiemutrie8945]

I love how she covers the important information that a newbie wouldn't exactly have access to from the get go. I love this Miss Aleese

[@yimingsun1709]

Omg Alex is so nice! I don’t even got such a nice agent in Australia. Love to see your vlogs, can’t wait for the next video.

[@AleeseLightyear]

Alex went from agent to friend! He went above and beyond and helped me with everything

[@sexyscorpius]

I love that apartment you chose. I'm so sad i wont (more than likely) be able to go to China next year due to border restrictions still. I was in China in 2015 and Ive always wanted to go back. I might go to Taiwan in the mean time and hope for 2023. I hope that mural grows on you. Its pretty big.

[@AleeseLightyear]

Sorry to hear that you won't be able to come to China anytime soon. The border closure has been beyond frustrating for sooo many. Hopefully after the Olympics they will change the rules. Fingers crossed you can get to Taiwan!

[@SoSab]

Beijing is cheaper than Shanghai for sure !! haha When negotiating prices with landlord it is also good to negotiate deposit as well. Usually when you sign a contract for more than one year , your deposit can be lower. Also, I suggest to discuss with multiple agents as sometimes the rent for the same apartment may vary from one agent to another :)

[@AleeseLightyear]

You’re so right! All my friends in SH are always telling me about the high prices. That’s a great tip you mentioned as well 😃

[@SoSab]

@@AleeseLightyear I'm glad I could help :)

[@riotbeatsmusic]

The difference between the loft and the rest of the apts in the price range is nuts!

[@AleeseLightyear]

RIGHT! It's all about the location.

[@ruhohbro]

Wow.. you post real great content. You’re also a great communicator as well.

[@AleeseLightyear]

Thank you for watching! I put a lot of effort into making my videos 😁

[@moonlightmistandmemories9623]

Wow Aleese , what a roller coaster ride , didn't know anything about renting in China , what an eye opener , preparation is definitely key , can't wait to see how this turns out , sending you best wishes for success finding your dream apartment , take care , Peace ...

[@AleeseLightyear]

A roller coaster indeed!! I'm glad it's over because I was getting so stressed out. Keep an eye out for the moving vlog so you can see which apartment I actually got!

[@brandonnunes5038]

I love that apartment you chose! Hopefully the drama is resolved.

[@ucheobuekwe]

You’re such an excellent vlogger and editor. Hopefully you upload vlogs for often 😁😁 What software do you use to edit please ?

[@AleeseLightyear]

Thank you love! I put a lot of effort and time into all my videos. I use a canva.com to make graphics and then I use Adobe premier and iMovie to make my videos

[@peterfromla7505]

Love the alex level up part , that is so funny. Alex is now Level 4 agent maybe. Haha! OG agent.

[@JoSeY7]

Loved the video! I am glad how you showed the good and the bad of apartment hunting! Hope one day to be in that beautiful city!

[@timothywhitcomb770]

I signed a 2 year contract which will expire in June 2023. Thank God I did that because all the apartments in my community are 6,500 yuan a month or more. I'm paying only 5800 a month.

[@AleeseLightyear]

sounds like you got a great deal! congrats!

[@ELalaEm]

This is so informative 💖 thank you so much for this wonderful video aleese

[@AleeseLightyear]

Oh thank you for the love!😚

[@yihsiuliao1783]

can't wait to see your new apartment tour 😍

[@AleeseLightyear]

Very soon!

[@korraalexander1296]

Lol at Alex leveling up

[@AleeseLightyear]

He was such an incredibly patient and nice guy!

[@johnrogermaghuyop6106]

Yeah, indeed, a good choice of apartment! Though I'm also aiming for that Apartment #2! Haha :)) Hope to see you soon in Beijing! :)

[@AleeseLightyear]

Super happy that you enjoyed the video! Hope you're just as entertained with my other videos!

[@michaelwon3599]

See I love your video please don't stop because I love China and I believe I'll be there make a video of Beijing Neighborhood

[@emilyspencer305]

I'm in love with your energy

[@AleeseLightyear]

Super happy that you enjoyed the video! Hope you're just as entertained with my other videos!

[@FloppasKameToMe]

This was soooo fun to watch!

[@AleeseLightyear]

😘😃 happy you enjoyed it!

[@blessingnwachukwu8860]

I love China and would love to visit someday.

[@renebetschart8242]

I really like the apartment where you van go upstairs. They have so big windows and I actually really like the nature wall. But hope the woman will give you a lower price:)

[@AleeseLightyear]

It's so lovely! One of the nicest apartments I've ever seen in Beijing. You'll have to see what happens in the next vlog!

[@pandabearoceanpark]

Thanks for the tips. Watched it the 2nd time just to take the the web sites!

[@AleeseLightyear]

They are also in the description of the video! Good luck on your search!

[@pandabearoceanpark]

@@AleeseLightyear : oh, thanks ! That's handy! I should remember to click on "Show More" to drop down next time!

[@macmcc]

I'm going to be moving to Guangzhou so all of these prices seem wild to me. The apartment you settled on is beautiful though and I hope you got it! 😊

[@zmliu9066]

I am in Guangzhou now.😀

[@AleeseLightyear]

Beijing is much more expensive than Guangzhou. Im always so shocked when I travel in China and see other rental prices. Happy hunting in Guangzhou!

[@YuriUK]

I currently live in second major city in the Philippines Cebu and my 3 bedroom house is about 15 minute walk to white sand beach and about 30 minute drive to to one of largest malls in Asia, my rent is 530$ per month that included all amenities even fiber internet 400Mbps download and same upload speeds. I know China is cheap from what Ive heard but it’s not what I see now from your video 😏

[@hayleybarbara1589]

What's your salary though 😅😏

[@korikorikori1]

I love ur videos!!! Keep them coming

[@AleeseLightyear]

😍😍 thanks a ton!

[@mimichung7184]

Hi Aleese, I love your video sharing your live in Beijing bcs you give a honest comment for thing you see there. I am just wondering if you ever think of visiting Taiwan and why. ?

[@ishadi]

You should choose apartment number 2 girl

[@reginanyirubugara4428]

so one question that I've been thinking about a lot recently, are the apartments in china already furnished when you move in? because my lord that will be a money-saver! nice apartments by the way!! I personally want to move to china too but not in the popular big cities like Nanjing beijing and Shanghai, but more like the changsha, chengdu and chongqing side I would've chosen for apartment 2!!

[@AleeseLightyear]

Yup most apartments are already furnished!

[@NealForAmbassador]

"Do you like this mural?" "Not really." LOL I love you Aleese 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@AleeseLightyear]

I actually hated it🤣🤣 Part of the negotiating was me asking if I can take it down or cover it. The landlord was so angry that I didn’t like it.

[@NealForAmbassador]

@@AleeseLightyear This made my week hahahahahahaha 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣 So weird when landlords don't realize it's not their place to make artwork decisions over places they're renting out for the long-term.

[@AleeseLightyear]

@@NealForAmbassador I feel like it's such a cultural difference here. Landlords tend to charge more for an apartment that they think is well decorated and if you disagree, they don't want to rent to you because you've made them feel bad.

[@teas_onreplay4516]

We need you to upload that next vlog right now 🥺. Please

[@AleeseLightyear]

You’ll only have to a few more days hahaha

[@lpgilber]

I loved your outspokenness during the hunt. It's interesting that landlords only want to rent to Chinese people. But if that's their culture, I guess one has to deal with it. But I loved the apartment you chose anyway.

[@NO1xANIMExFAN]

I think many landlords have the idea that foreigners will walk in with dirty shoes and will treat the apartment roughly compared to Chinese people. Also, there is also the hassle of trying to communicate in a foreign language, which can be too much of a hassle for many Chinese landlords to deal with, especially if they don´t speak any english

[@robertnitschke2942]

I hate when people say racism is a part of a culture. I think that is such a silly thing to say. Every country could have made that claim at some point in their history and it would have been sad if people always accepted that. If it's so okay, they should explicitly write it out in public policy. Yes, you should not be naive and expect racism, but you also should be pushing where you can for practices like this to not be okay. Han chinese people can be loud, they can smoke, and be as messy as any other race so I don't understand this logic. Also it is sad this is in an area that is famously international. Btw I love Chinese people, but I don't think we should ever say racism is just their culture.

[@alinaa3625]

can you talk about the utilities and internet etc prices per month? thanks!! love your videos

[@AleeseLightyear]

Yes I can. A lot of times the utilities are pay as you go so I don't pay monthly. In all the apartments I've lived in, I've paid for water, gas and electricity. And I know when I need to pay again because the they will stop working. Then you pay via the app or your apartment office. Gas is the cheapest, Wifi is the most expensive. Wifi, you usually pay per year which is 1800RMB = $282. Electricity, I usually add 500RMB= $78 every other month or so. Water is usually 500RMB=$78 every 3 months or so.

[@michaelwon3599]

Hello I love your video please don't stop making video please make a video of Beijing Neighborhood house please because I believe Ill soon be in China

[@lisaliofficial]

I watched the video apartment you picked and now I'm seeing the other options. It's a clear winner but confusing how the other apartments are as expensive or more compared to the quality?! How?!

[@AleeseLightyear]

Good question!! It just depends on the location when it comes to prices. The more expensive places were more centrally located and closer to the subway. So even though the quality isn't great, the price is higher.

[@user-pz4vb9cu8u]

If you think it's a pain in China, try México. It'll give you a whole migraine. 🥴 That first Apt was hideous! But, the one you chose is simply gorgeous and to be honest wallpaper isn't that bad.🤣 But, she tried it by trying to yp the rent.

[@AleeseLightyear]

I have friends in Mexico who have told me how tough the hunt is there!! The landlords here in Beijing sometimes demand soooo much, I was mad as hell by her just trying to increase the rent for no reason at all.

[@Mariobrownio1989]

The loft looks great 👍

[@AleeseLightyear]

I think it was an easy choice!

[@peterfromla7505]

Hiii aleese , As always creative edits and nice vlog.

[@AleeseLightyear]

Thank you so much 🙂

Love your videos, love your energy!! +1 subscriber on youtube and IG :)

[@AleeseLightyear]

Thanks for subbing!

[@PrinceCryBaby]

Aleese Lightyear says hiii and I know it’s gonna be a good day no matter what life brings 💕

[@AleeseLightyear]

Thank you! So sweet of you!

[@Mickeii617]

Number two would have most definitely had my heart but numbers 3 with having a bathtub might have sold me

[@AleeseLightyear]

The bathtub was so nice! But my last place had a bathtub and I probably used it a total of 10 times lol

[@baphithi]

The kitchen needs some love. Apartment no.1

[@AleeseLightyear]

It does! It was rough!

[@madisonruthie]

I really like the loft apartment. Is there a way you can do a hotel or Chinese version of Airbnb between when lease is up and when it’s available for the rent? I love that tea and coffee area a lot personally

[@NovaB312]

I love your channel, I haven't seen all of your videos but you are great. I want to live in China at least for 1 year and you shared very useful tips. Thanks 😁

[@AleeseLightyear]

Thanks! 😃

[@ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ538]

The second apartment was insane 😩 too bad you couldn’t move in!

[@AleeseLightyear]

Thank you for watching! Hope you've watched the update to see where I ended up

[@skitles1994]

My biggest problem with Wechat is I can't find anyone willing to activate my QR code. How does a foreigner get this done without paying?

[@ELalaEm]

Aleese, quick question. When renting apartments and after paying the 3-5months worth of downpayment, do you need to pay for the next month’s rent?

[@AleeseLightyear]

Great question! So after you pay the agent fee, security deposit and 3 months rent, you don't need to pay again until the 3 months is over. So instead of paying month to month rent, you pay every 3 months. Usually the landlord will write in the contract, the dates you should pay. Which totally changes the way you budget, but it's nice to just not have to worry about rent every month.

[@AleeseLightyear]

Also, you can negotiate the rent time frame with the landlord. If you don't have the money up front, then try to negotiate paying month to month for awhile until you're financial stable. Some landlords are willing to work with you on that.

[@ELalaEm]

@@AleeseLightyear thank you so much aleese 💖💖

[@toastyghosty489]

It’s crazy to me to learn there are landlords in China again, I’m not sure what alternative I was expecting though. Is that unique to Beijing or is that how it works throughout China? Thank you for the informative video!

[@AleeseLightyear]

Really? I don' think I've ever thought about it!! This is how it works throughout China. Unless you buy an apartment or lease from a rental agency.

[@FoodforThought12345678dsds]

Why would there not be Landlords in China? lol

[@robertnitschke2942]

btw i admire you rolling with the punches

[@AleeseLightyear]

That's a big part of live in China!

[@xinyawang6858]

I'm going back to Beijing after 春节！！！

[@AleeseLightyear]

Best of luck to you!

[@xinyawang6858]

@@AleeseLightyear 😘

[@vincentpoisson7427]

好喜欢你的vlog

[@hoosierstar6147]

Them prices are cray cray

[@AleeseLightyear]

Beijing is expensive!!!

[@ishadi]

And if you don't mind, just put auto translation too 💞

[@samsungkuu614]

Try to look for the apps you mentioned on video, none of them listed on Samsung Playstore.😑

[@AleeseLightyear]

They also have websites you can search there too

[@fugwa]

If you don't mind, how much in USD can a person make teaching English or any subject?

[@JSOhSOAmazing]

With what Alex said aboit renting to non-Chinese, can foreigners purchase condos/homes in China (based on your knowledge)?

[@AleeseLightyear]

I'm pretty sure that only Chinese nationals are allowed to own/purchase property. But I think foreigners can co-own

[@JSOhSOAmazing]

@@AleeseLightyear Olay, thank you 😊

[@stephanietadlock6899]

Apartment 2

[@AleeseLightyear]

The obvious and best choice! Thanks for watching

[@sherri-leeslinger7556]

Or could you share the apartment name or location to search for. Much appreciated, will be moving to Beijing, Chaoyang in September.

[@AleeseLightyear]

Didn't share the name because of privacy, but I will tell you that this is not in Chaoyang district.

[@leyhaw1466]

what kind of camera is that?

[@AleeseLightyear]

Sony ZV 1

[@user-hc5qu2kr2o]

在北京租到满意的房子可真的不是一件容易的事😅

[@josechong8207]

Whoa... $948 per month that's uber expensive I think... :( ... anything lower than that?

[@AleeseLightyear]

Nope! My apartment was the cheapest I could find that I liked. There are cheaper apartments but not in great condition.

[@minismalls3096]

Do schools no longer provide apartments for their teachers?

[@AleeseLightyear]

Of course they do! They offer either an apartment allowance or housing. I usually go for the allowance so I can chose my own place

[@minismalls3096]

@@AleeseLightyear thanks Aleese!! Hopefully in a few years I'll be able to do this!

[@johnnychannel7824]

I think estate agent job may be suitable for you and you can earn more money than teaching English.

[@AleeseLightyear]

HHahah maybe so!

[@_Li_Ya]

Is wellcee actually legit? Because I saw many offers for single apartments which were about 4000 rmb. It’s not much and that’s why I’m a bit worried if its not a scam. I planning to find and apartment with this site so thats why I’m asking.

[@AleeseLightyear]

Yup it's legit! I think it may be better for short leases and if you're looking for a roommate....but 4K is quite cheap, I'd connect with the landlord/agent that's renting it out and ask why. Or look on other sites for apartments in that area and see if the prices are the same.

[@20ice47]

I don't care how much savings. The roommate thing seems like a nightmare. You've been stared at all day outside, had strangers touching you & your hair, then you can't even go home & escape bc there's a roommate waiting. Heck no!!

[@AleeseLightyear]

hahahahahah I feel the SAME way! Lots of expats will opt for another expat to be their roommate, so they won't have to deal with Chinese/Western cultural living differences. But having a roommate from anywhere in the world, is a big HELL NO for me. If I was 21....maybe I'd feel different, but I'm too old to have someone who is not my husband or child all in my space!

[@5am_9pm18]

Would you recommend your agent? If yes, could I have his WeChat or phone number? I just moved to Beijing about a week ago and need to find a place for myself in two weeks. Many thanks. Love your video btw

[@AleeseLightyear]

Yes and yes!! I don't want to publicize his phone number here in the comments, so shoot me an email at [e-mail] or DM me on Instagram @aleeselightyear and I'll happily send over his contact!

[@sherri-leeslinger7556]

Hi Dear! Hope all is well with you? Just wondering if you mind sharing Alex's wechat with me? He seems lovely and would love to have him as an agent.

[@albertodizon2741]

Hello, Aleese! Is it okay if I'll ask Alex's WeChat account number? I'm about to look for apartment as well in Beijing. Thanks a lot!

[@AleeseLightyear]

Sure thing---- shoot me an email at [e-mail] or DM me on Instagram @aleeselightyear and I'll happily send over his contact!

[@danielzhao407]

first

[@townrumor]

Lol 😂 she really doesn’t want you in her house 🏠 because your not Chinese 🤔

[@AleeseLightyear]

Sadly, this is the reality of apartment hunting abroad. But you'll have to be on the lookout for the next vlog to see what happens

[@townrumor]

@@AleeseLightyear 💯everything isn’t a🉐

[@torstenwow]

DEFEND THE COUNTRY OF TAIWAN! FREE THE COUNTRY OF TIBET! STOP GENOCIDE IN XINJIANG! LIBERATE HONG KONG! REVOLUTION OF OUR TIMES!

[@AleeseLightyear]

Sir, this is a video about apartment hunting. Calm down and stop trying to make things political.

[@adanphu4325]

What's the cost of living in China in the most expensive city in China and in the most beautiful and filled with nature place in China? 🪳