However, in the UK, this style of housing is not mainstream. In fact, such properties may present unexpected challenges and may not meet buyers’ expectations either in terms of comfort or investment return.
We recently spoke with a newly arrived couple who had purchased an apartment above a commercial premise before their move to the UK. Shortly after moving in, they encountered the following problems:
Their parking space was frequently occupied by customers of the downstairs shop, leaving them nowhere to park.
The restaurant below operated late into the evening, creating noise and cooking odours.
The business beneath could change at any time, making the living environment unpredictable.
These types of flats tend to be conservatively valued, have lower buyer demand, and are therefore harder to resell.
Fortunately, the couple successfully negotiated with the developer to upgrade their unit. They returned the original flat and, by paying a reasonable price difference, acquired a quieter apartment with a dedicated parking space—avoiding further loss.
Homebuying Advice:
When choosing a property in the UK, always consider long-term living quality and marketability. Do not rely solely on ideas of convenience drawn from Hong Kong’s urban lifestyle.
Mall-above apartments are considered unconventional in the UK. If you intend to sell in the future, be prepared for lower demand.
If buying from a developer, maintain open and polite communication so that, should a unit prove unsuitable, you have room to negotiate changes.
