Moving From Hong Kong to Reading, UK: Du and Cheng's Story

Beautiful scenery, outstanding educational facilities and excellent transport links into London are just a few reasons to live in Reading—benefits Penny Du and Vincent Cheng are all too familiar with.

Upon moving from Hong Kong to Reading, the couple sold their old house, allowing them to purchase a property worth £418,000 as cash buyers. The family opted for a two-bedroom apartment at Bankside Gardens; a waterside development on the outskirts of vibrant Reading created by St Edward.

The property was purchased as a forthcoming development, meaning homes were still under construction. Keen to move to Reading quickly, the family rented at Green Park Village—adjacent to Bankside Gardens—for 13 months, before successfully moving into Bankside Gardens in October 2022.

Keep reading to learn more about the family’s overseas moving experience or start the search for your new home today.

Why Did You Decide to Move From Hong Kong to Reading?

“Houses in Hong Kong are very expensive—I had been saving up since I was a teenager to be able to get onto the property ladder there!

Our property before we moved to the UK was much smaller and much more expensive. Moving here [Reading] has provided a better environment for our children to grow up in and presents better opportunities for their education.”

- Penny Du, resident at Bankside Gardens

What Drew You to the Bankside Gardens Development?

“Bankside Gardens was recommended to us by a friend. As soon as we saw the development online, we knew it was where we wanted to live – it ticked every box!”

- Penny Du, resident at Bankside Gardens

After moving from Hong Kong to Reading, Vincent has continued in the same job role—working remotely as an IT professional for his Hong Kong employer. Due to the seven-hour time difference, Vincent often works night shifts to coincide with his office’s opening hours.

Vincent’s profession is one of the key reasons the family chose Reading; it’s one of the UK’s top technical hubs for IT, telecoms and digital businesses. Here, you’ll find the likes of Cisco and Microsoft—opening doors for new job opportunities should Vincent decide to change.

An apartment at Bankside Gardens. A large balcony overlooks a lake, with comfortable outdoor seating areas.

How Are You Settling Into the Community?

“I recently joined the local church’s walking club which not only keeps me fit and healthy but also has enabled me to make some great friends locally.

We moved here knowing nobody, so it’s been great getting to know other residents and becoming part of this flourishing community at Bankside Gardens.

My children also attend Green Park Primary Academy, and I regularly meet up with other parents during the school run at Triple Two Coffee which has just opened next to the school.”

- Penny Du, resident at Bankside Gardens

Bankside Gardens’ connectivity was a huge factor in the family’s decision to move to Reading, with trains reaching London Paddington in as little as 23 minutes via the Elizabeth Line. Reading Green Park Station is just minutes from Bankside Gardens, providing access to Reading town centre in six minutes by train.

Why Should You Move to Reading in Berkshire?

If Penny Du and Vincent Cheng’s inspirational story wasn’t enough to convince you to move to Reading, here’s what our expert has to say:

“Reading is an excellent location for those who are looking for the city lifestyle without the city price tag.

Bankside Gardens presents a very exciting opportunity for buyers to be part of a fantastic, thriving community.

Reading itself is one of the South East’s most important business hubs–offering all the lifestyle benefits of urban living and its superb connections into London are further improved by the arrival of Crossrail.

However, residents at the development can enjoy a more tranquil side of life too, with immediate access to plentiful outdoor space and Longwater Lake, the comfort and convenience of local amenities, including great schools, but most importantly, a close-knit friendly community.”

- Paul Vallone, Executive Chairman at St Edward

Find a Home in Berkshire with Berkeley Group

If you’re drawn to the benefits of this impressive county, search for your ideal new home in Berkshire today. Featuring developments in Reading, Ascot, Maidenhead and more, you’re sure to find a property that suits your lifestyle perfectly with Berkeley Group.

Alternatively, extend your new home search to bordering counties, like Surrey, Hampshire and Buckinghamshire, for other great locations that put Berkshire within easy reach.

Browse our full range of development locations or learn how our homes seek to positively impact society, the economy and the natural world with Our Vision 2030.