We at Savills Residential Leasing understand the challenges of relocation and settling into a new environment, which is why our services are designed to provide assistance, ensuring smooth transition for you and your family. The information included in this document can only provide an indication and not a complete picture of what to expect when coming to Shanghai. We look forward to answering your specific inquiries and addressing your needs as we work.
Relocation Process
Pre-Arrival Preparation
Your thoughtful input into our Needs Analysis Form will assist us in customizing the Shanghai City Orientation, home and school search (request for family information, school information, housing needs and other specific requirements). This form helps to custom tailor itinerary for your trip to Shanghai.
This Know Before You Go Guide contains helpful information regarding the environment in Shanghai, areas around the city where most expatriates choose to live, shopping, transportation, cultural aspects, etc. The International Schools Guide will provide background information about the schools preferred by expatriate families in Shanghai.
Look-See Trip
Most relocating employees will have the opportunity to take a “Look-See Trip” to Shanghai. We suggest, if possible, taking this trip two or three months prior to your intended relocation, allowing sufficient time to secure a new home and seats into the school of your choice. The minimum trip duration is 3 days for single persons/couples and 5 days for families with children. Please rest assured that we will accommodate your needs, should these time frames be shortened or not possible.
Day 1 – School Search
Generally, the school search is conducted within a day. The selection of which school your children will be attending is often the corner-stone decision for incoming families. Once you’ve filled out your Needs Analysis Form, appointments will be arranged with respective schools selected. Transportation will be provided along with an orientation counsel or an agent to accompany you during the school visits.
Day 2 – Shanghai Orientation Day
A half or a full day orientation could be provided upon request, covering the city’s expatriate popular and preferred supermarkets, communities, medical clinics etc.
There are normally many questions and concerns when relocating to Shanghai regarding everything from the safety of drinking water, eating local food and produce, shopping, availability of needed supplies, and important medical and dental care in Shanghai. This City Orientation tour is largely based on your response to the Needs Analysis Form and is conducted by well trained expatriates or locals to provide appropriate support. Besides providing an enjoyable day, our orientation counsellor could become an additional settling-in resource.
Provided in your Shanghai Orientation Package (to be received on arrival) are the following:
* City Orientation Guide (Detailed information about living in the city)
* City Map (Handy map which clearly shows all main streets and places of interest)
* Bilingual Taxi Book (Addresses and telephone numbers of popular shops and restaurants in the city)
* Bilingual Ayi Book (Useful phrases in Chinese with English translations you can show your ayi/housekeeper to communicate your needs)
Day 3 – Housing Search
Knowledge of the real estate market and information obtained from your Needs Analysis
Form allow the appointed agent to provide an appropriate property list, selecting units within complexes that match your needs. In addition to this list, there will be a bound folder including one-page descriptions of each property as a reference. Savills’ information on the availability of products and our experience with what complexes or housing have adequate facilities (as well as good and responsive management services plus excellent value for cost) is critical. Your Savills agent will be drawing upon comprehensive knowledge of the Shanghai housing market and will be utilizing extensive resources to ensure finding the right home.
Day 4 and 5 – (cont) Housing Search
After the first round of viewing, based on preferred options, a second viewing will be arranged to revisit chosen properties. Savills suggests narrowing down the selection to a couple of properties, in case first choice could not be secured. Once you have decided on a final property, we will negotiate for you and on your company’s behalf with the landlord regarding the rental and other lease terms. Savills will then prepare the letter of intent or receive the offer letter. After the lease agreement has been signed we will assist you with all the necessary procedures for your move-in.
Ongoing Support
An assigned agent is available to provide advice, even after the move-in. From initial negotiations, and throughout duration of stay in Shanghai, the agent will be the single point of contact to ensure all housing matters are taken care of smoothly and efficiently. Moreover, agents can draw upon all Savills resources when assisting.
The following complimentary services are available upon request.
* General assistance with local purchase of goods and services (e.g. furniture, appliances,insurance)
* Introduction to expatriate community groups
* Assistance to find a reliable house-keeping service or driver
* Surrounding area orientation
* Assistance with local banking facilities
* Arrangements for language classes
In any emergency situations, a 24-hour hotline 1580 0589 015 is also available.