The best suburbs in Johannesburg to buy property

Article summary

• In the post-pandemic period, more professionals are returning to work. Johannesburg is South Africa’s high-energy business hub.
• Public transport and highways connect business centres with more remote, affordable areas.
• Student accommodation is in high demand as campuses resume activity following the lockdown period.

The City of Gold is the place to be for those seeking to immerse themselves in the professional lifestyle. Restaurants, pubs, business districts, and a vibrant nightlife define South Africa’s high-energy hub.

New developments are on the rise. The Gautrain offers efficient public transport. Highways grant easy access to Pretoria and OR Tambo Airport. It’s all tailor-made for travelling professionals, but it offers its share of family-friendly locations as well.

Here are the suburbs property investors should be focusing on:

The best suburbs in Johannesburg to buy property:

1. Sandton
2. Bedford View
3. Melville
4. Randburg
5. Linden
6. Rosebank
7. Bryanston
8. Midrand

1. Sandton

The beating heart of Johannesburg has stood the test of time in being a hotspot for property investment.

Properties are more expensive, but provide proximity to business hubs, restaurants, a vibrant nightlife and other attractions. It’s the place to be for young single professionals. Property investors who are willing to pay the higher prices will be rewarded with high demand from successful professionals willing to pay high rent.

Average sale price R2 095 625

2. Bedford View

An ideal balance between spaciousness and proximity to important locations. Bedford View not only offers easy access to the business hub in Sandton, but to OR Tambo Airport as well. It’s a pleasant, leafy suburb; ideal for family living.

Property investors will be looking to target travelling professionals, including those with families.

Average sale price R 1 910 000

3. Melville

The classic case of a suburb that has benefitted from urban regeneration. It’s become a bohemian district popular with artists, and offers proximity to the illustrious Wits University as well as the City Centre, shopping centres and hospitals.

Property investors will be looking to target students due to the nearby university; demand for student accommodation is on the rise as people return to campuses in the post-lockdown period.

Average sale price R1 650 000

4. Randburg

One of the top performing areas in South Africa according to Business Tech, boasting a record 6,473 transactions worth over R8.3 billion. This is thanks to affordability and higher home loan approval rates.

Randburg is a neighbour to Sandton and the location for a number of colleges and schools. Property investors have a range of target markets available to them when investing in this suburb.

Average sale price R1 335 000

5. Linden

A mix of the old and the new; Linden is rich in history (it was originally situated on one of the oldest farms in Gauteng), but is also host to a range of restaurants and pubs.

Investors have the option of purchasing family homes or catering to young professionals looking to take advantage of the suburb’s proximity to Sandton and its bustling night life.

Average sale price R2 150 000

6. Rosebank

The ultimate family-friendly suburb, being the location of Johannesburg Zoo and an array of schools. Homes are spacious and located on large properites. Many professionals may be looking to move to this area so they can enjoy the post-pandemic work-from-home lifestyle in ample surroundings.

Average sale price R2 195 212

7. Bryanston

Tree-lined streets, organic food markets and hospitals make Bryanston a place for healthy living. It’s no wonder Bryanston is another top-performing suburb in Gauteng, achieving a 7-year high in transaction volumes and total market value of almost R3bn.

Property investors should be looking at this suburb for family-friendly investments. But its proximity to Sandton also makes it appealing to young professionals.

Average sale price R2 558 625

8. Midrand

Young buyers comprise over 40% of property transactions in this burgeoning suburb, which offers easy access to the N1 and M1 highways. This grants inhabitants a streamlined route to anywhere from Sandton to Pretoria.

Professionals looking for affordable properties that allow easy travel to either destination will be drawn to this area, which also offers a host of recreational centres and restaurants.

Average sale price R870 000

Make the home buying process easier by getting prequalified

If you’re looking to invest in property in Johannesburg, it helps to get prequalified. Prequalification will give you an idea of what you can afford, so you can shop for a property with the certainty of knowing what your ideal price range is.

You can get prequalified by contacting an expert at ooba Home Loans or by using our free, online prequalification tool, the Bond Indicator.