Apartment Finding
The right apartment, on your timeline, without the agent games.
Independent apartment search across Shanghai — curated shortlists, accompanied viewings, negotiation, and lease review. We don’t take landlord commissions.
The Shanghai apartment problem
The listing isn’t the unit. The agent isn’t your friend.
Listings are duplicated, photos are stale, and the same unit shows up at three prices on three platforms. Agents are paid by landlords, so their incentive is to close — not to find your fit.
Lease terms surprise foreigners: 3+1 or 6+1 rent payment structures, fapiao gaps, vague repair clauses, deposit holds you can’t recover.
We work for you. The landlord is the other side of the table.
What’s included
One package. Briefing to keys.
Pricing quoted after the briefing call so the scope matches your move.
- Briefing call — Budget, neighborhoods, school commute, lifestyle, must-haves and red lines.
- Curated shortlist — Five to eight units that actually fit, with notes on tradeoffs and risks.
- Accompanied viewings — In person or by video. We translate, ask questions, read the room.
- Negotiation support — Rent, term, fapiao, deposit structure, repairs, agent fee.
- Lease review — A plain-English read of your contract before you sign.
Neighborhoods we cover
Where to live, and why.
Former French Concession
Tree-lined streets, lane houses, walkable cafés. Best for couples and small families.
Jing’an
Central, polished, premium high-rises. Strong commute to most office districts.
Jinqiao (Pudong)
Compound living, big international school cluster, family-first.
Lujiazui (Pudong)
Skyline-facing high-rises. Convenient for finance and consulting commutes.
Gubei (Hongqiao)
Established expat density, Korean and Japanese family communities, school access.
Xintiandi / Huangpu
Lifestyle-heavy, restaurant-dense. Best for professionals without school commutes.
What we won’t do
The lines we don’t cross.
- Pocket landlord commissions
- Push you into compounds because they pay agents
- Speed-rush you into a lease to close the month
- Hide unit history, fapiao gaps, or known building issues
How it works
Briefing to signed lease, typically 7–14 days.
- 01
Briefing
A 30-minute call. Budget, school or office anchor, neighborhood priorities, deal-breakers.
- 02
Shortlist & viewings
Curated shortlist within 3–5 days. Viewings, in person or by video, within the next 7–10.
- 03
Negotiation & lease
We negotiate terms, review the lease, and walk you through the signing.
Common questions
Before you book a call.
Do you charge the landlord?
No. You pay us directly. We don’t accept landlord commissions, agent splits, or building referral fees.
Can you help if I’m not in Shanghai yet?
Yes. Most of our clients are still abroad. Viewings happen by video, and we coordinate keys and handover for arrival.
What if I already have a school chosen?
Even better. We optimize your shortlist around the school commute and pickup logistics from day one.
Do you help with utilities and setup?
We coordinate utility transfers, internet, and basic setup vendors. Furniture and full household setup are part of the Full Relocation package.
How long does it take?
Typically 7–14 days from briefing to signed lease, depending on your shortlist and how decisive the family wants to be.
What does it cost?
Quoted after the briefing call so the scope matches your situation — single unit, multiple options, or a tight relocation timeline.
Tell us your school, your budget, and your move date.
We’ll come back with a curated shortlist and a clear path to keys.