Midrand, previously known as Halfway House because of its positioning halfway between Johannesburg and Pretoria, has really grown in leaps since it was established as a municipality in 1981. At the time it offered a speckling of businesses but is now a thriving business hub including business parks, from manufacture to retail to professional services. If travelling between Johannesburg and Pretoria along the Ben Schoeman Highway, you will note the rows of businesses that straddle it, many of which are household names.
Convenience and connectivity
As a result of this growth, and to cater for the still growing employee base, apartment lifestyles are much sought after, and there is a wealth to choose from. Suburbs on offer include: Halfway Gardens; Vorna Valley; Noordwyk; Country View; Carlswald; Randjesfontein; Blue Hills; and Glen Austin. Within these are a selection of different property types, be that free-standing homes or apartment blocks, many of which are luxuriously appointed.
Apartment options for every budget
Midrand is considered quite a trendy area. It has a number of shopping environments that also offer dining experiences from cafe society to fine dining. It is host to the Mall of Africa and is, conveniently, on the Gautrain route, meaning if you need to access Johannesburg or Pretoria, you can do so easily without needing to drive.
From an apartment perspective the choice is vast, and there are offerings to suit every budget. Consider, for example, a one bed-room flat in Noordwyk for around R6 500 a month or a R12 500 3-bedroom in The Precinct, in Plooysville. Both are beautifully designed with contemporary fittings.
As with the large number of business hubs, there are numerous apartment hubs. There has been much care taken in the development of these living precincts to keep as much of nature intact when they were under construction. Most also offer high levels of security creating close communities among the residents. They also generally offer other facilities like gyms, playgrounds for children, and swimming pools with a clubhouse.
If luxury is what you embrace, the Blue Hills Equestrian Estate typifies bespoke living. It has its own golf green, large natural dams, and of course, is ideal for the horse loving community as the name indicates. Built with ‘green’ principles in mind, apartments can be rented furnished or unfurnished, priced according to the high-end fittings and services offered.
Renting made easy: flexible lease options
At the other end of the scale, if working on a tight budget, which many people do if they have a home elsewhere but work in Midrand and return to their family on weekends, then an apartment block such as Minuet and Etude might be ideal. Comfortable flats with 2-bedrooms are around R6 000 - R8 000 a month. If you are looking for a more mid-range apartment, Sagewood has a great number of offerings.
Many apartments are rented out by agents rather than directly from the owner. This means that renters are assured of secure lease agreements. There are many that offer 6-month leases, which is great for those who are not seeking a permanent base, or wanting to explore the Midrand suburbs for the purchase of their ideal property in the area.
Activities and experiences for everyone
And why not Midrand given how easily it caters to all your needs. From shopping to nature-based experiences, everything is within easy reach and caters to all budget levels. From Lory Park Zoo, to Nizamiye Mosque and the Russian Orthodox Church tours, to nearby golf venues and children’s parks, and excellent private and public schools, there is an activity or event that suits all members of a family.
There are always a large number of apartments available to rent, some offering views or access to nearby facilities, to others that border on expanses of vast green lands. It’s the perfect living place for professionals and families.
