Most of the old apartments were built before 1949.  Designed by Western architects, they differ from traditional Shanghainese row houses and apartment buildings.  Old Colonial style apartments were well-equipped with all modern facilities of the time.  There are also historic apartment buildings designed in the Art Deco Style that was very popular at the time. Old apartments are usually located downtown, particularly around the Former French Concession Area.  Historic apartment buildings are often hidden along tree-lined quiet streets and offer lots of local charm.

Apartment sizes typically range from 150 m² to 250 m².  The better furnished apartments are more pricy an dare in higher demand.  The rental price for old colonial style apartments can cost from US$1,500 to US$5,000 a month.

• Attractive historical architecture
• Downtown locations
• Fully immersed in local life
• Close to commercial business disctricts

• Maintenance issues – 1920s constructed buildings
• Relatively expensive (limited supply)
• Immersed too much in local life: noise, poor security, and sometimes nosy neighbors
• Damp and drafty with poor insulation
• Car parking difficulties
• Poor power supply
• No facilities or clubhouses