Property

South Africa’s richest city opening the taps

Kirsten Minnaar • 24 November 2025

Johannesburg’s top suburbs are seeing a surge in demand for new high-end apartments and townhouses, with billions of rands in developments being snapped up by returning expats, foreign investors and local buyers.

Chas Everitt International principal Rory O’Hagan said developers are responding to the demand for new high-end homes close to business hubs such as Sandton, Rosebank, Melrose, and Bryanston.

Demand for developments in these areas has been rising since the start of 2025. “Johannesburg has really been in the international spotlight this year in the run-up to the G20 Summit,” O’Hagan said.

“We have seen an influx of returning expats and foreign investors choosing to base themselves here as they increasingly realise the huge business opportunities the city offers.”

Johannesburg is not only the epicentre of South Africa’s economy, but it is also a great gateway to other promising markets in Africa.

“This has encouraged new development,” O’Hagan said. According to Stats SA, 2,900 new apartments and townhouses were completed between January and August 2025.

A further 2,300 plans for new developments were approved, which are expected to be completed within the next 12 to 18 months.

“However, the pace of new development in Johannesburg is still a very long way behind that in Cape Town, and frankly is unlikely to put any downward pressure on prices for the foreseeable future,” O’Hagan said.

“This is why astute buyers and investors are not sitting on the sidelines now but responding quickly and positively to the launch of new projects.”

These include several upmarket developments currently being marketed by Chas Everitt for some of the city’s foremost developers.

New luxury developments in Johannesburg

One noteworthy development is 7 Jameson Avenue, a Clearstone Properties project featuring 24 sophisticated luxury apartments and penthouses in the prestigious Melrose Estate enclave.

It is located just a short distance from the Rosebank commercial hub, top private schools and world-class shopping and dining venues.

Prices for the exceptional three-bedroom homes in this complex range from R6.5 million to around R10.5 million, and several have already been sold.

Just minutes from the Sandton CBD, Sandhurst Ridge, an exclusive new development in Hurlingham, is another noteworthy new development.

It comprises 25 spacious three-storey apartments, available at prices ranging from around R3.4 million to R3.6 million. It is already selling well to young professionals as well as investors who anticipate high rental demand in this location.

O’Hagan also highlighted The Bateleur, a premium complex in the highly sought-after, affluent suburb of Sandhurst, on the edge of the “richest square mile in Africa”.

Designed by Adrian Maserow of AMA Architects and brought to life by Landmark Consortium, this development encompasses 52 apartments, with just 16 still for sale.

Prices start at around R4.75 million and range up to around R27 million for opulent penthouses offering spectacular city views.

Finally, O’Hagan noted that Lallybroch, a stylish apartment development, has just been launched in Bryanston. It offers spacious and airy two-bedroom, two-bathroom homes designed for effortless living and entertaining.

Prices here range from R1.5 million to R1.675 million, and the complex represents a choice opportunity for both investors and homebuyers.

O’Hagan said that in addition to Johannesburg’s newfound recognition on the global stage, demand is being driven locally by the steady reversal of the swing towards suburban and even rural living that followed Covid.

Now, most large companies, banks, and institutions based in Johannesburg require both employees and executives to work in the office at least a few days a week.

“They can no longer work completely remotely, and many are once again finding it much more convenient and efficient to live in urban nodes close to their offices and businesses,” he said.

Many people are also prioritising proximity to shops, top schools, entertainment venues and medical facilities.

When they can buy into quality new developments offering state-of-the-art security, spacious modern floor plans and superior finishes, that becomes an even more attractive prospect.

“Meanwhile, we are also seeing an increasing preference among affluent “empty nesters” to move from large family homes to luxury apartments that relieve them of many operational, maintenance and security concerns and costs,” O’Hagan added.

These apartments also offer them the freedom to ‘lock up and go’ whenever they wish, as well as access to a range of on-site amenities when they’re at home.