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 traveling 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.
As a result of this growth, and to cater for the still growing employee base, apartment lifestyle’s are much sought after, and there are a wealth to choose from. The 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.
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-roomed 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 it is with the prolific number of business hubs, so too are the number of 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, ideal for the horse loving community as the name indicates. Built with ‘green’ consciousness, apartments can be rented furnished or unfurnished and are priced according to the high-end fittings and services on offer.
On the other end of the scale if working to 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 may provide just the ticket. 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, as opposed to directly with 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.
And why not Midrand given how easy it is to cater for all your needs. From shopping to nature-based experiences, all are within easy reach, and cater to all levels of budget. 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.
