The Most In-Demand Suburbs

We take a look at the most in-demand suburbs for renters in Gauteng, KwaZulu Natal and the Western Cape, and what you’ll pay for a rental in them.

The start of the year is usually the busiest time of the year on Private Property and this year has been no exception with a record number of visitors to the website in January.

"The rental market, in particular, is exceptionally competitive at this time of the year with young professionals looking for new leases, people relocating due to new jobs and students heading back to universities," says Simon Bray, Private Property's CEO.

Private Property data revealed the most in-demand suburbs for renters in South Africa’s largest provinces in January. We measure the most in-demand rental suburbs on our site by looking at the number of views per rental listing on our website.

Safety, amenities, good schools and transport links are some of the characteristics that make these rental suburbs popular.

"Knowing which suburbs are in demand is really useful for tenants wanting to know where the good rental areas are and for investors looking for the best area for that buy-to-let investment," adds Bray.

Here are the 5 most in-demand suburbs for rent in Gauteng, the Western Cape and KZN.

Gauteng

1. Linden

This well-maintained suburb of Linden is home to people from a diverse range of backgrounds, nationalities, religious groups and age groups. A number of new developments have been built in the area to cater for the growing demand from people wanting to move to the area. The area has a number of trendy restaurants and pubs, shops and good schools.

Median rental prices in Linden:
Flat: R6 900
House: R16 000
Complex: R8 500
A typical property to rent in Linden is a 2 bedroom flat with a median asking price of R7 950.

2. Glen Marais

Glen Marais is popular with renters because of the modern, secure estates in the suburb. Younger tenants in particular are attracted by the fibre networks that provide fast internet connections. The suburb also enjoys a convenient location minutes away from OR Tambo airport.

Median rental prices in Glen Marais
Flat: R5 600
House: R12 950
Complex: R9 000
A typical property to rent in Glen Marais is a 3 bedroom complex with a median asking price of R9 700.

3. Johannesburg Central and CBD

Much money has been spent recently to upgrade and improve the central areas of Johannesburg. Tenants are attracted by the convenience of living close to businesses, and amenities. Affordable rents are also a key driver of demand in the area.

Median rental prices in Johannesburg Central and CBD
Flat: R3 825
House: R10 600
Complex: R6 500
A typical property to rent in Johannesburg Central and CBD is a 1 bedroom flat with a median asking price of R3 800.

4. Randpark Ridge

Randpark Ridge is becoming an increasingly popular choice for those looking for convenient suburban living in the heart of Johannesburg. Located northwest of Joburg and west of the N1 highway, Randpark Ridge is a large, well-established suburb that is popular with active renters due to the good choice of outdoor activities available in the area. Properties are well-priced and the suburb boasts many amenities and easy access to major roads.

Median rental prices in Randpark Ridge
Flat: R6 500
House: R14 500
Complex: R8 950
A typical property to rent in Randpark Ridge is a 2 bedroom complex with a median asking price of R7 500.

5. Florida

Florida is a small suburb located around 16 kilometres away from Central Johannesburg. Its excellent location provides convenient access to amenities and most parts of the sprawling city. The beautiful lake in the area is hugely popular and is a major attraction for residents and visitors to the suburb.

Median rental prices in Florida
Flat: R4 800
House: R10 500
Complex: R6 800
A typical property to rent in Florida is a 2 bedroom flat with a median asking price of R5 500.

Western Cape

1. Parklands

The relative affordability of suburbs in the Western Seaboard is a big attraction for many who move to the area. But cheap(ish) rents are not the only reason for the popularity of suburbs like Parklands. The area offers an amazing beach lifestyle, epic views, good schools, and numerous shopping and medical facilities.

Median rental prices in Parklands
Flat: R8 000
House: R13 650
Complex: R10 000
A typical property to rent in Parklands is a 3 bedroom house with a median asking price of R13 500.

2. Observatory

“Obs” – as the locals call it – derives its name from the Royal Observatory, which was built in 1820 and is now home to the headquarters of the South African Astronomical Observatory. This multi-cultural suburb attracts a diverse pool of renters to the area. The suburbs location, minutes away from the university, city centre, shops and main roads, makes it one of the most convenient areas to live in in Cape Town.

Median rental prices in Observatory
Flat: R12 950
House: R15 000
Complex: R11 250
A typical property to rent in Observatory is a 2 bedroom flat with a median asking price of R14 500.

3. Tableview

This family-friendly suburb is one of the most established on the Western Seaboard and boasts excellent schools, medical facilities and shopping centres. The area is also a business and commercial hub which negates the need for many residents to brave the commute into the city.

Median rental prices in Tableview
Flat: R10 500
House: R14 000
Complex: R12 750
A typical property to rent in Tableview is a 3 bedroom house with a median asking price of R14 000.

4. Vredehoek

This quiet residential suburb is moments away from the CBD. Young professionals in particular are drawn to the laid-back café culture. Proximity to the mountain ensures stunning views in every direction and easy access to mountain trails.

Median rental prices in Vredehoek
Flat: R15 000
House: R25 000
Complex: R25 000
A typical property to rent in Vredehoek is a 2 bedroom flat with a median asking price of R16 000.

5. Gardens

Relaxed, laid back Gardens is another suburb that owes much of its popularity to its close proximity to the city centre. Younger residents are attracted by the convenience of being able to walk to work, nightclubs or restaurants in the nearby CBD. Older residents enjoy being able to access shops and medical facilities easily or catch a MyCiti bus to get further afield.

Median rental prices in Gardens
Flat: R15 250
House: R21 500
Complex: R27 500
A typical property to rent in Gardens is a 2 bedroom flat with a median asking price of R17 000.

KwaZulu Natal

1. Glenwood

The trendy suburb of Glenwood has a mix of coffee shops, eateries and excellent schools that continue to attract renters to the area. Having a university on the doorstep and a central location close to the CBD also accounts for its enduring popularity.

Median rental prices in Glenwood
Flat: R6 550
House: R13 250
Complex: R10 250
A typical property to rent in Glenwood is a 1 bedroom flat with a median asking price of R5 700.

2. Musgrave

Musgrave is a melting pot of cultures, ages and interests. The suburb is convenience personified, with its central location and easy access to main roads making it simple to get to any other area in Durban. The area has good public transport services from buses and taxis; is conveniently close to schools, universities and colleges; and is home to Durban’s oldest shopping centre, Musgrave Centre.

Median rental prices in Musgrave
Flat: R8 500
House: R12 250
Complex: R11 000
A typical property to rent in Musgrave is a 1 bedroom flat with a median asking price of R6 550.

3. Morningside

This centrally located neighbourhood in Durban is minutes away from the beach, nightlife, shopping and schools. Close by you can find artisan bread, organic veggies and a handful of shops that sell collectables, while Florida Road is known for its trendy nightlife and eateries. The suburb attracts a diverse range of people, from students to young professionals to the extremely well-heeled – in fact, the president has a home in this area.

Median rental prices in Morningside
Flat: R8 500
House: R14 500
Complex: R9 900

A typical property to rent in Morningside is a 2 bedroom flat with a median asking price of R8 500.

4. Westville

The suburb has long been popular due to its convenient location, excellent amenities and superb schools. The leafy, green suburb offers an excellent selection of property from flats and complexes to large family homes on big stands. A number of office parks have been built in the region recently, with many large firms choosing Westville over the northern business parks. For many this has provided a desirable “live, work, play” lifestyle, which has kept them in Westville.

Median rental prices in Westville
Flat: R7 725
House: R13 000
Complex: R13 250
A typical property to rent in Westville is a 3 bedroom house with a median asking price of R12 000.

5. Durban North

The North of Durban has seen a massive amount of development in recent years, with a steady migration of businesses and people to the area. Suburbs like Durban North have become increasingly popular due to their proximity to both the new commercial hubs in the north and city centre. Good schools, a host of fantastic restaurants and excellent shopping combine to form an extremely convenient suburb in which to live. The area also features some excellent sporting amenities including facilities for hockey, soccer and rugby.

Median rental prices in Durban North
Flat: R12 500
House: R19 750
Complex: R15 450
A typical property to rent in Durban North is a 3 bedroom house with a median asking price of R17 000.

Background

This report is compiled using search activity and median asking prices of residential properties listings on Private Property’s website in January 2018. To maintain consistency over time and assist comparison between areas, data is only presented for areas with 100 or more listed properties and grouped by the following common attributes of residential properties in South Africa: • type (houses, complexes or flats)

Some effort is also made to exclude outliers from the analysis. A feature of Private Property’s Report is that it provides insights based on current asking prices rather than the eventual rental prices of property transactions. This is an important distinction, as the two measures provide slightly different insights into the property market.