Property

South Africans are flocking to this luxury suburb

Kirsten Minnaar • 4 December 2025

Homebuyers are flocking to Rosebank, which offers significantly better value for money than Sandton while still offering a luxury, amenity-rich urban lifestyle.

Rosebank, located just north of Johannesburg’s city centre, is experiencing a notable influx of homebuyers from areas such as Sandton, Parktown North, and Dunkeld.

According to Pam Golding Properties regional head for Gauteng Metro Mariël Burger, the trend reflects a growing demand for affordable luxury and walkable urban living.

Comprising 97.3% sectional title apartments, Rosebank’s residential market has shown robust activity, with 280 units sold between January and October 2025, according to Lightstone data.

“Notably, total sales across the market for the year have already exceeded the previous decade high of 276 achieved in 2023,” Burger said.

“Developers are responding with energy-efficient, amenity-rich projects, yet demand continues to outstrip supply. It’s not surprising, as Rosebank offers 30% to 40% better value than Sandton while matching its lifestyle quality.”

For example, Burger said a two-bedroom, two-bathroom apartment priced around R2.5 million in Rosebank compares favourably with R3.5 million to R4 million for a similar home in Sandton.

“This makes Rosebank one of Johannesburg’s strongest value-for-money precincts,” he said. With a 1,700-unit sectional title base, Rosebank’s appeal is driven by a desire for –

Hassle-free, secure living with 24-hour security and concierge services
Walkable access to The Mall of Rosebank, top restaurants and hospitals
On-site amenities such as gyms, co-working spaces, rooftop decks and full generator or energy backup systems

“This combination also makes Rosebank one of Johannesburg’s most complete lifestyle precincts,” Burger explained.

Professionals working in the banking, legal and consulting sectors are drawn to the lock-up-and-go convenience, with proximity to offices, cafés and retail spaces.

There’s also visible interest from Capetonians relocating to Johannesburg for hybrid work roles, as well as international buyers attracted by Rosebank’s Gautrain airport link and vibrant mix of entertainment, art and dining.

Rosebank’s appeal

Pam Golding Properties area manager Alisha Dippenaar explained that Rosebank is seeing the benefit of hybrid return-to-office trends stabilising.

“Rosebank’s strategic location close to the Gautrain Station, Sandton CBD, key commercial nodes and arterial highways, continues to underpin strong sectional title demand,” Dippenaar said.

“Ongoing investment in mixed-use and residential developments, corporate headquarters and retail upgrades reinforces confidence in Rosebank and cements its position as a leading mixed-use hub in Gauteng.”

According to Lightstone, 74% of Rosebank buyers are under 50, with the 36 to 49 age group forming the most active segment.

Purchasers include young professionals seeking work-life balance, and out-of-town buyers securing convenient bases for business or Airbnb use.

There are also downsizers opting for secure, low-maintenance living, as well as investors drawn by strong rental yields and long-term growth potential.

The median sectional title price in Rosebank currently stands at R1.9 million, with active liquidity in the R1.5 million to R3 million range for modern one- and two-bedroom units.

Studio/one-bedroom apartments, priced from R800,000 to R1.5 million, reflect solid entry-level demand and reliable rental returns.

Two-bedroom units, from approximately R2.5 million to R4 million, balance yield and capital appreciation. Luxury penthouses, favoured by executives seeking prestige and convenience, range from R5 million to R12 million plus.

“Serviced and managed apartments are also performing strongly, attracting out-of-town professionals and investors seeking turnkey, fully managed options,” Dippenaar added.

“Prime developments such as The Tyrwhitt, The Vantage, The Capital, The Median, Park Central and Twenty One achieve R2.2 million to R6 million price points and 60% to 80% occupancy rates via Airbnb and corporate lets.”

Investing in Rosebank

Dippenaar noted that Rosebank continues to deliver a secure, balanced and resilient investment environment, supported by stable capital growth and premium urban lifestyle appeal.

Dippenaar advised that those intersted in investing in Rosebank’s property market consider the following for long-term performance –

Focus on two-bedroom, two-bathroom units with levies below 2% of property value
Prioritise secure, managed buildings with backup power and water systems
Consider Airbnb or corporate letting to offset levies and enhance yield
Ensure close proximity to the Gautrain Station, Mall of Rosebank, hospitals and arterial routes
View Rosebank as a medium-term hold (3 to 7 years) for sustained income and appreciation

From a rental perspective, monthly rates vary by building, size, and amenities, explained Pam Golding Properties Gauteng Metro rental manager Garreth Gibson.

Studios typically bring in R9,000 to R10,000, while one-bedroom units bring in R12,000 to R13,000 or more. Premium three-bedroom apartments or penthouses can go for as much as R40,000 per month or above.

“Rosebank’s evolution into a vibrant, connected and lifestyle-rich precinct continues to attract discerning buyers and investors alike,” Burger added. “It’s a market defined by confidence, value, and a dynamic urban edge.”