[Part 1] I live in a tiny 211 sqft NANO FLAT | Tour of my Hong Kong Apartment

UPDATE: Watch part two here (deep dive into nuisances and quirks, and also showing the night scene and MY FRIDGE!): • [Part 2] I live in a t...
Hong Kong is one of the most expensive cities in the world. One of the major factors is due to housing.
Bloomberg ranks Hong Kong as 5th most expensive city in the world: www.bloomberg.com/news/articl...
Tour my 215 sq ft Nano flat/apartment, and see how it's really not as small as it seems.
Previous video on finding a place in Hong Kong and Neighbourhood guide
• Guide to RENTING an ap...
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[@syazwananordin8657]

This is a very comfortable nano flat. I really like that dangling, levitating lightbulb! It's really cool!

[@JessBeyondHorizon]

Thank you! It is very comfortable and cozy! 😊

[@suburbohemian]

Yeah, now we all want one!

[@Jenny_420]

Seeing the prices for apartments in big cities, makes me even more sure of my decision to live in a small town where my entire house payment is half the rent in these cities. And I understand that's due to population and many other factors. I still love seeing how people make it work for them though, and your apartment is nice. We don't really need that much space to live comfortably.

[@JessBeyondHorizon]

Yes it's definately a different lifestyle! Thanks for you comment 😊 I do miss the space though sometimes!

[@Jen-jo5qu]

This is actually really nice and a lot better than what I thought it would look like for 211 sf. Thanks for sharing!

[@JessBeyondHorizon]

Thanks for watching and commenting 😊

[@PaiviProject]

I thought your nano flat was quite nice. Those fantastic windows & high ceilings & balcony & totally amazing views sure make up on the lack of space. I like the community hangout space too. 👍👍

[@JessBeyondHorizon]

Thanks! I love my place too it's super cozy and I have everything I need! Yes clubhouse is a bonus! 😊

[@cghrearcrey]

the balcony space is not for free, it is counted towards the total sqft. the contractors make huge balcony (some even have 3 balconies) because when they buy the land, it's not included (free for them), but they could sell it for buyers.

[@JessBeyondHorizon]

Interesting good to know, yes I noticed they have the net and the gross areas.

[@eddie9559]

I'm sorry, what do you mean the balcony is not included when contractors buy the land. could you explain.

[@JessBeyondHorizon]

@@eddie9559 I think the balcony is not defined as livable space according to the government, so it's not deemed as actual land / taxable, but the contractors can sell it and define it as livable space to the buyer so it appears to be larger space. Correct me if I am wrong.

[@mircat28]

@@eddie9559 it means the apt is smaller than you think it is. The size of the apt includes the size of the balcony but it's not livable space. They do the same thing in the US only they count big hallways in the total footage but you can't live in the hallways.

[@resuscitatorrijeka]

I loved the lamp with the levitating bulb. Super cool!!!

[@JessBeyondHorizon]

Thanks 😊

[@lunalee5843]

I love your flat! It’s about the same size as my first NYC apartment except you have those amazing floor to ceiling windows and high ceilings! I didn’t even have a washer!

[@JessBeyondHorizon]

Thanks 😊. Yes my previous place was the same size but without the floor to ceiling windows and it definately felt smaller and more claustrophobic!

[@DadInTaiwan]

I like the use of space in your apartment. My studio here in Taiwan is 250 sq. ft. including the balcony, and has really tall ceilings as well. It's perfect for me. My kitchen counter space looks to be about twice yours, but your view is so much better than mine. I'm lucky to even have that kitchen space because a lot of studio apartments here don't even come with a kitchen area. For comparison, my apartment is about 20+ years old and doesn't have the public amenities yours has, but the rent is only 8,000NTD (US$285). Enjoy your life in Hong Kong! (where I hope to visit again once Covid quarantining has ended).

[@JessBeyondHorizon]

That is a lot cheaper, but good you have a good amount of kitchen space. I feel like I keep on knocking things over all the time. I stayed in a studio apartment with air bnb in taipai a few years ago and it was spaceous!

[@nazeemmeyers4647]

The flat looks amazing, you have an amazing view from your flat

[@JessBeyondHorizon]

Thanks so much! Yes the view is the best!

[@paulsuprono7225]

WHAT a VIEW ! 😎

[@f5371p]

your space is really cozy and the layout is nice... I'm in a similar small but new flat (350ish 1br) but in NT so can totally relate haha

[@JessBeyondHorizon]

Thanks! yes maybe that will be my next upgrade!

[@suburbohemian]

That's really nice! I paid the equivalent cost in 1981 for a studio in Canoga Park (in the San Fernando Valley CA) that was probably an illegal conversion (made from the master bedroom from the next door apartment) cus the only window and door was the sliding glass door, and the kitchenette had clearly been an add-on counter and dorm fridge with the clothes closet behind it. (Evenso I loved it and still sometimes miss those days). But while it came utilities included, there were no other amenities in the bldg, not even laundry room. Luckily, a laundromat was walking distance as I had no car then and rode the bus for work.

[@suburbohemian]

Most working people, especially younger with no kids, are not at home most of the day anyway, so why have a large place? It's kind of like taking a cruise....get the indoor room with no view cus it's cheaper and you're only going to be using it for changing clothes and sleeping anyway. And Tiny Living is really becoming a normal thing with so many people everywhere, less space/time to sprawl, and wanting to leave a smaller footprint behind for the next generations.

[@JessBeyondHorizon]

A small space leads to a simple life and less fuss! Cleaning is also a lot faster and easier 😊

[@ch0ngma]

Nice flat!.. I used to live in Grand Promenade for 8 yrs, the huge skyscraper block between you & the harbour. Cost an absolute fortune in rent but the view was worth it. Always wondered what the other buildings were like around the neighbourhood, it's a great area to live and not as expensive per sq ft as other areas of HK.

[@JessBeyondHorizon]

Yes I have a friend that lives there. Nice views and great facilities. It is a nice area, clean and quiter

[@JessBeyondHorizon]

Yes I have a friend that lives there. Nice views and great facilities. It is a nice area, clean and quiter

[@Wen1515]

What a beautiful view! Love from Utah.

[@JessBeyondHorizon]

Thanks for the comment! Back at you from hong kong!

[@mlli3064]

I liked the tram and took all the way along to chai wan and back to kennedy just for sight see. And Bowen road and all the trails off it another adventure. There is so much to see in HK

[@JessBeyondHorizon]

Yes I love the Tram! It is so relaxing to ride it and watch the scene!

[@micheletomei3670]

I have visited Hong Kong and loved it. Looks like you are on a high floor. Great view. How did you manage during the pandemic?

[@JessBeyondHorizon]

Yes I am on a high floor and I love the views! Hong Kong never really had many restrictions during the pandemic so I was able to go out and enjoy regular life!

[@its.tifflou]

Cute place Jess!!

[@JessBeyondHorizon]

Thank you 😊

[@mlli3064]

Thanks for your videos. I really enjoy listening and seeing HK as lived there in early 2000s. I remember a studio flat in Soho just off hollywood rd near elgin st was 6,500 HKd 2004 to 2007. It was an old building, Had walk in shower toiled combo. Kitchen was ok. I liked it and right in middle of town

[@JessBeyondHorizon]

Thanks for watching and your comment! Yes I can imagine it can be quite nostalgic! Especially whenever you see the skyline! Yes I lived in a similar layout as you but in TST, no kitchen though. And yes soho is so convenient!

[@mlli3064]

@@JessBeyondHorizon Exactly. My soho flat was quite small but I loved the area and spent a lot of time around there so it was glass half full always with size issue of flat HK. I found 4th floors were often vacant too. I lived on 4th floor on caine rd too. Expats would not mind that number so much and got good rental price

[@JessBeyondHorizon]

@@mlli3064 i guess its the trade off for the lifestyle vs space

[@guambyguambelle1864]

The windows & views really make this nano flat very nice!

[@JessBeyondHorizon]

Yes thank you! It's makes it feel not so small!

[@guambyguambelle1864]

@@JessBeyondHorizon Your 211 feet are much nicer and smarter than my just over 600 feet. And that's BEFORE you look out the windows! The night view must be just as mesmerizing. 👍🏼

[@JessBeyondHorizon]

@@guambyguambelle1864 yess it's amazing! I'm making a part two to this and will include the night view! Thanks for the inspiration!

[@mircat28]

Until you need to hang a puffy winter coats and there is no space of you have to raise your bed on blocks to fit plastic storage bins with last season's clothes in. Or you have extra towels and bedding and no where to store it.

[@JessBeyondHorizon]

@@mircat28 my towels and bedding are in drawer’s under my bed. And we don’t need puffy coats here because it’s usually warm most of the year 😊

[@aliciazagelbaum8347]

The view is amazing

[@JessBeyondHorizon]

Thank you!

[@sophanarachay4917]

It's not so tiny. Living in Europe, we used to live in such small apartment. Very cozy. Can you open all the windows in your studio? I love wet bath, it's a very clever use of space.

[@JessBeyondHorizon]

It's true it's not that small, this is biggest I have lived in in Hong Kong! My previous space was 130sq ft! I can only open one window and the balcony doors which is enough. I'm not a fan of wet bath becuase it's soggy and becuause hong kong is really humid mold grows on everything! I lived in Europe before too, but I still think the space is a little bigger than in Hong Kong?

[@sophanarachay4917]

@@JessBeyondHorizon Oh yes, I forgot the mold. I live in Front and it's not humid here.

[@pinkiesue849]

I wonder if you have a closet? It is lovely how you have a drapery between the kitchen and main room!

[@JessBeyondHorizon]

Yes I have a pretty big closet but it's not built in. I made a part two if you want to see the spacial dimensions 😊. Thanks, the drapery definately makes it feel like a separate room!

[@DavidRodriguez-ou9fy]

I would like to try to live like this for a while to see if I can do it. Was your place a good deal for the city? Anything you wish you had room for? New subscriber!

[@JessBeyondHorizon]

Thanks for watching and subscribing 😊. I got a really good deal for the views and the new building! It did take a while to get used to the small space, but I lived in 130 Sq ft before! Just got a spin bike.... Not sure how to fit that in haha

[@mythoughts1763]

LOVE IT

[@JessBeyondHorizon]

Thanks 😊

[@katew3818]

If the ceiling is high you could have a platform bed and sitting area underneath.

[@JessBeyondHorizon]

Yes that is what my neighbour's has but since I am renting, thr bed frame was already there. Thanks for your comment 😊

[@nancypeteja6560]

Where do you sleep? In France they have a pulley system with a rack to hang clothes to dry....heat rises....so the clothes dry closer to the ceiling. Something to think about. Some kind of ladder to utilize the tall cupboards better!! TFS.😊👍🌸

[@JessBeyondHorizon]

Thanks for your comment! I sleep in the main room, I made a part two if you want to see more of the spacial dimensions! That is a good idea with the hanging of clothes. Except hong kong is really humid so things don't usually dry! Thanks though! 😊

[@seviregis7441]

Human beings have to stop ripping out trees and parks then building these gigantic skyscrapers to stack millions of human beings on top of each other in small smoggy areas. The overpopulation of these areas and lack of natural amenities is hideous really. But that said you are adorable and you did a lovely job with your apartment.

[@mircat28]

You're flapping your lips for nothing because when it comes to real estate be a tree do you think a tree is going to win. You lose the environmental battle by making a point then giving it up. Screw the tree you're apt is so cute.

[@robocop581]

FYI, 75% of land in HK are wetlands, country parks and trees

[@AndoCommando1000]

I think it would be great to live like that if I were a student in Hong Kong. But I couldn’t live in a space that small now. I’m Australian but live in London. I consider my 700sq ft 2-bed, 2-bathroom with balcony London apartment very small by Australian standards, but fine for me in London.

[@JessBeyondHorizon]

700sqft is large in Hong Kong standards but small by Australian (and Canadian) standards. I guess I just adapt wherever I am! 😊

[@rosemarywilliams9969]

I love your views😍

[@JessBeyondHorizon]

Thanks 😊 the best part!

[@rhyslud]

What is the live music scene like? Is it mostly Cantonese, English or Mandarin? I listen to a fair amount of Mandarin music. Its mostly from Taiwan but there are some, like Khalil Fong and Hui Ting based in HK. Am I dating myself if I say Karen Mok? (But I thinks she's in Germany now)

[@JessBeyondHorizon]

Right now there is now live music, there is all sorts! We have Mirror which is the hottest boy band right now in Cantonese. Then u have live music in small bars and they sing everything, English Cantonese etc. Hong Kong is super international so there is everything!

[@desertshield]

Dang it, my wife and I are living in a 950sq ft small house and pay all in about 800€ (6700 HKD). And we are considering it quite small. We cannot imagine raising kids here, so we are moving any time soon. Whole different style of living... But you really made the best of your flat! It looks comfy and significant.

[@JessBeyondHorizon]

950 Sq ft is considered larger than average in hk but I guess that is based on what you are used to! You do have to adapt a bit! Thank you it is quite comfy 😊

[@desertshield]

@@JessBeyondHorizon 😊 Love all your vids btw.

[@AdrienneMint]

I didn’t see any place where you can sit or watch tv and relax. Do you do that in the kitchen and the bathroom, because that’s pretty much all I saw.

[@JessBeyondHorizon]

There isn't much room in 211 Sq ft so my kitchen is also my bedroom which is also my lounge! I have the white cupboards to sit on but usually I just sit in front of my laptop!

[@paulsuprono7225]

Such a small pad . . . consider elevating your bed with your desk underneath. Use ladder leading to the bed ! 😎 🇺🇸

[@JessBeyondHorizon]

Yes I know the people next door has that. But I already have the bed frame and I am only renting here temporarily, so I am happy with the space. Thanks for the tip!

[@sreypovchun663]

Nice video is that sai wan ho ?

[@leslie4551]

Hi … what floor do you live on? How many floors are in the building? I love the little apartment but would be afraid of the height.

[@JessBeyondHorizon]

Yes it is a 30+ floor building! The lower floors are nice too, you get an closer view of the city and area!

[@vickilssrb4405]

I would LOVE to live there!! 💙🤗

[@JessBeyondHorizon]

Yes I love it here even if it's tiny, but it's cozy! 😊

[@vickilssrb4405]

@@JessBeyondHorizon cozy is exactly what I love also! 😍

[@vickilssrb4405]

@@JessBeyondHorizonplus I'm only 4'11" so the peephole is perfect! 😀

[@noeraldinkabam]

2:25 ready for the next Horizon Zero Dawn edition!

[@spmgcanada]

Hi From Canada !

[@JessBeyondHorizon]

Back at you from Hong Kong! 😊

[@kcanded]

(That balcony is actually 180 degrees, 360 would be all around you.)

[@JessBeyondHorizon]

Haha yes I realized that after I posted the video up ( hoping no one will notice 😂)

[@ktann]

… also did you say your kitchen was 5cm wide? love tours but I got no sense of the actual space here in your filming - you did a few close ups but no long shots from all the corners. I’d encourage a redo! I would definitely watch!

[@JessBeyondHorizon]

@@ktann yes good idea, it's hard to get a long shot when the space is so small!

[@brettsprang7991]

I wanted to say that too.....

[@pandabearoceanpark]

which district is this at? and how do you go about to find this kind of nano flat?

[@JessBeyondHorizon]

This is the eastern district. You can search on 28hse.com or spacious and Nano flats are typically studios, so look for one that is around 250 sqft or less. Look at the pictures and usually they are newer buildings and all have approx the same layout. E.g small kitchen, balcony, dry shower

[@pamelamcfadden337]

Average rents for one to bedroom apartments in Lexington ky are the same amount

[@JessBeyondHorizon]

Yes same if I go back to my home country!

[@katbar6066]

You said the kitchen is 5cm wide- that is only 2 inches! . I think a Murphy bed or a folding bed would have looked nicer.

[@JessBeyondHorizon]

Yes it's actually 15 cm! I was joking and referring to the floor where the kitchen tiles meets the hardwood flooring which is only 15 cm! Yes I would have gotten a more space saving bed but when I moved in the bed frame was already there.

[@jayleegardnerjr.8016]

Do you have a refrigerator.

[@JessBeyondHorizon]

I do! I didn't show it but it's right next to the front door. And a freezer is right below my fridge.

[@rameshgurung6827]

How r u Jess I like ur vlog

[@JessBeyondHorizon]

Thank you 😊. Hope you are well too

[@gregoryorchard1635]

Waterpark tour

[@JessBeyondHorizon]

Oo yes not right now tho too cold! Getting my go pro ready 😁

[@barbaramuzychka3836]

there is a washing machine but no refrigerator?

[@JessBeyondHorizon]

Yes there is a fridge and a freezer. It's right next to the front door, I forgot to show it and will be making a part two video 😊

[@FrankiesFancy]

Was wondering the same lol she has everything else so I knew she had everything just wanted to know where it was lol Absolutely love the wallpaper.

[@JessBeyondHorizon]

@@FrankiesFancy thanks！

[@pppppprr]

Which area is this Jess? Close to which MTR station?

[@JessBeyondHorizon]

This is in the eastern district! And I will keep the area a secret 🤫😊

[@TheBigBaryshnikov]

Hong Kong didn't build up for convenience, they built up because it was the only way to maximize the limited space!

[@JessBeyondHorizon]

Which then lead to the convenience

[@kevinc1200]

Not bad, its like a dorm room.

[@JessBeyondHorizon]

Yes but I'm not a student anymore 😰 haha but yeah it's not bad 😊

[@arii1987]

You are too pretty Jess

[@jos1678]

Do you have a fridge?

[@JessBeyondHorizon]

Yes I do and I will be making a part two to show my fridge 😊

[@itsmeGeorgina]

This will be the preferred living arrangement for single people, in not to long, in a few years from now

[@JessBeyondHorizon]

Yes it's a simpler way of living! Less cleaning too 😁

[@MichelePearl]

How is a toilet part of a shower.

[@JessBeyondHorizon]

The shower head is right above the toilet

[@MichelePearl]

No billiards in game room.

[@JessBeyondHorizon]

Yeah that would be nice!

[@kenrowland7864]

I think this is called Pack-n-Stack?😊

[@JessBeyondHorizon]

Hahah 😂

[@ultimatewarrior4630]

in my view of point, why Hong Kong living space is so small? Maybe it's government problem, to allowed too many property investment & cause the property market rise. And the people can't afford to own a roof over the head. Maybe the policies should have change, 1 apartment 1 family or 1 studio for low income family with 1 or 2 kids. And built with atleast approximately 400 sf. Look at the Singapore policy, their population abt 6.3 million and the size of land abt 720 sq km, while H.K is abt 1,108 sq km and population is abt 7.2 million. Can you see the different? In Singapore, there's no citizen sleep under the bridge or built super tiny apartment or subdivide room like H.K.!

[@JessBeyondHorizon]

Yea hk government regulates the property. That's how the government makes money and how in hk our salaries tax is so low. It's true that in hk the rich are favored over the poor.

[@oliviamartini9700]

5 cm wide?!?

[@JessBeyondHorizon]

Hahah I'm kidding... It'more like 15cm wide 😂😂😂

[@azharahmed5388]

Visa Hong Kong you like

[@greglaird9898]

Well it is nice but way too small! People always say well that's what you get in Hong Kong or Paris or NY or whatever. They want to be able to "walk to restaurants, etc." I don't get it. There is something to be said for open spaces and fewer people, and peace! Eat at home!! I need a car as well. To each his own I guess...

[@JessBeyondHorizon]

Haha yes to each their own! I did end up moving to a bigger space and will do a tour soon!

[@carlamorales8713]

nothing GETTO about your space pls dont use term "getto" Getto is real and you have a nice place.

[@JessBeyondHorizon]

You're right ghetto was not the right adjective, more like squishy as I was referring to my desk space 😊

[@MrWhiskeycricket]

I’d be terrified to live in a Hong Kong high rise, the building practices are too cheap and corrupt.

[@JessBeyondHorizon]

Nope in Hong Kong the buildings are good quality , Maybe you are thinking of a neighboring place

[@MrWhiskeycricket]

@@JessBeyondHorizon no, there are countless news stories all over the Internet of Chinese construction collapsing.

[@JessBeyondHorizon]

@@MrWhiskeycricket yes that is China, it's a different story in Hong Kong 😊

[@MrWhiskeycricket]

@@JessBeyondHorizon oh yes, you’re correct.

[@mkfever2005]

JUST LIKE NEW YORK

[@JessBeyondHorizon]

Yes haha! New work is also crazy expensive and small!

[@mkfever2005]

@@JessBeyondHorizon yup.

[@l.a.f.8555]

I would kill for those views!

[@JessBeyondHorizon]

Yess I love the views especially when working from home now!

[@ThePlanet_L.I.]

There's nothing ghetto about your work station, cut it out 🤦🏾‍♂️

[@rw6937]

You can speak an read Chinese and Cantonese, a little different than a expat 😂 It’s better to live in taipo, a village house 🏠 more space an cheaper rent.

[@JessBeyondHorizon]

I'd like to say I am an enhanced expat 😂 Taipo is way too far , I like the convenience 😊

[@christiangamer3669]

Hi I just wanted you to know that Jesus is coming back soon and he is taking his bride with him (the church) So if you haven't received Jesus now would be a good time to do it. Repent and turn from your wicked ways and accept the Gospel of Jesus Christ before it is too late.

[@paulsuprono7225]

Good Luck . . . with China on the move !😎 🇺🇸

[@JessBeyondHorizon]

Surviving hahah!

[@terryandrews3186]

You' r pretty

[@ariescustom]

Less of the uptalk. Not everything is a question.

[@JessBeyondHorizon]

Thanks I am working on it!

[@shigemorif1066]

Do you put this comment on every video by an Australian or New Zealander since uptalk is a feature of their accents also? Its common in North American accents and the way she speaks is fine. Yeesh.

[@ariescustom]

@@shigemorif1066 Horeshit. I know many Aussies and Kiwis and they don't uptalk at all. Grab a tissue and dry your tears. Yeesh.

[@shigemorif1066]

Oh, you're a troll. My bad, didn't realize you weren't actually trying to make a real point.

[@l.a.b.chimmy866]

No se pudo apreciar na

[@JessBeyondHorizon]

Fair enough！

[@honmingwong5759]

My three cars garage is bigger than your flat

[@JessBeyondHorizon]

Haha yes it's tiny but less cleaning! 😂

[@arielb5317]

You do know how big 5 centimeters actually is right? 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@JessBeyondHorizon]

Haha I am kidding, it’s more like 15cm 😂 I'm referring to the tile on the floor that separates the kitchen from the hardwood floor which is the hallway.

[@arielb5317]

Ironically I’ve seen studios even smaller than yours in New York and even LA. How many floors is your building? I’ve seen one that was practically a broom closet.

[@JessBeyondHorizon]

@@arielb5317 I actually lived in one half the size of this one when I first came to Hong Kong. Highest is 32 floors.

[@JessBeyondHorizon]

@@oddsock000 thanks! I guess not everyone got the tiles part 😂 yes its a really nice and cozy place!

[@johnvotto7477]

I don't think I would like to live there. Too tall. First earthquake or fire, and you are done.

[@JessBeyondHorizon]

Fair enough, it can be a little high no earthquakes in Hong Kong though!

[@bobmenzies4137]

Hong Kong will never be as good as the mainland living under Chinese PRC law & culture,. The society is better In Mainland China. when Hong Kong finally becomes One China one system there maybe hope for HONG KONGERS !

[@JessBeyondHorizon]

Thanks for sharing

[@ramone138]

1989 Tiananmen Square protests and massacre