Top 5 New Property Developments in Johannesburg (2025)

Posted on Author Dlamini Blessing

Johannesburg, South Africa’s economic hub, is a hotspot for new property developments, blending urban vibrancy with secure, lifestyle-oriented living. With its proximity to top schools, malls like Sandton City, and OR Tambo International Airport, it attracts families, professionals, and investors. This article ranks the top 5 new property developments in Johannesburg for 2025, focusing on location, pricing, amenities, and investment potential. Each development is evaluated using credible sources like Property24, Private Property, and developer websites, ensuring a reliable guide. Supported by a 7.5% repo rate and 33% of Gauteng’s 2023 transactions linked to estates, Johannesburg’s market offers strong capital appreciation. Whether you seek affordable apartments or luxury estates, this list provides actionable insights to navigate Johannesburg’s thriving property market.

Top 5 New Property Developments in Johannesburg

1. Merelava Bryanston

Location: Bryanston, Johannesburg
Type: Secure Residential Estate (Apartments)
Price Range: R2,000,000–R5,500,000
Unit Sizes: 33–155 m² (1–3 bedrooms, 1–2 bathrooms)
Developer: Merelava
Merelava Bryanston, set for completion in 2026, offers 124 pet-friendly apartments across four floors, priced from R2,000,000 for a 1-bedroom unit (33 m²) to R5,500,000 for a 3-bedroom unit (155 m²). Designed by LYT Architecture, it features modern finishes, balconies, and fibre connectivity. The estate includes 24-hour security, communal spaces, and proximity to Sandton City (10 minutes) and top schools like St Stithians. No transfer duty and 6–8% rental yields make it ideal for professionals and investors, with 21.6% sectional title price growth. Some note construction timelines, but its prime location in Bryanston’s high-demand market ensures strong interest.

2. The Bronx

Location: Sky City, Alberton, Johannesburg South
Type: Secure Residential Estate (Apartments)
Price Range: R650,000–R950,000
Unit Sizes: 40–70 m² (1–2 bedrooms, 1 bathroom)
Developer: Green Eye Housing
The Bronx, an affordable apartment estate next to Sky City Mall, offers bachelor, 1-, and 2-bedroom units priced from R650,000 (40 m²) to R950,000 (70 m²). Features include open-plan kitchens, prepaid meters, and modern finishes. The estate provides 24-hour security and access to Sky City’s private school, mall, and parks, located 15 minutes from Alberton and 30 minutes from Johannesburg CBD. No transfer duty and 7–8% rental yields appeal to first-time buyers and investors, with 21.6% sectional title price growth. Some mention limited parking, but its affordability and proximity to R59 make it a top choice for young professionals.

3. Presidents Place

Location: Midrand, Johannesburg
Type: Secure Residential Estate (Freehold Houses)
Price Range: R1,800,000–R3,500,000
Unit Sizes: 120–200 m² (3 bedrooms, 2–3 bathrooms)
Developer: Green Eye Housing
Presidents Place in Midrand offers a range of 3-bedroom freehold houses, priced from R1,800,000 (120 m²) to R3,500,000 (200 m²). Features include modern kitchens, private gardens, and solar geysers. The estate provides 24-hour security, communal green spaces, and proximity to Midrand’s business hub and Mall of Africa (10 minutes). With no transfer duty, 17% price growth for freehold homes, and 6–7% rental yields, it suits families and investors. Its location near the N1 ensures easy access to Sandton and Pretoria. Some note construction noise, but its vibrant community and affordability drive demand.

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4. Orlando Ekhaya Housing Project

Location: Orlando, Soweto, Johannesburg
Type: Mixed-Use Residential (Apartments & Houses)
Price Range: R800,000–R1,500,000
Unit Sizes: 50–150 m² (2–3 bedrooms, 1–2 bathrooms)
Developer: City of Johannesburg
The Orlando Ekhaya Housing Project, launching May 23, 2025, is a mixed-use development in Soweto, offering apartments and houses priced from R800,000 for a 2-bedroom apartment (50 m²) to R1,500,000 for a 3-bedroom house (150 m²). Features include modern finishes and prepaid utilities. The estate includes parks, schools, and 24-hour security, with proximity to Soweto’s cultural hubs and 40 minutes from Johannesburg CBD via the M1. No transfer duty and 7–8% rental yields make it attractive, with 17–21.6% price growth. Some note ongoing planning, but its community focus and affordability are key strengths.

5. The Atlanta @ Sky City

Location: Sky City, Alberton, Johannesburg South
Type: Secure Residential Estate (Apartments)
Price Range: R700,000–R1,200,000
Unit Sizes: 45–80 m² (2–3 bedrooms, 1–2 bathrooms)
Developer: Cosmopolitan Projects
The Atlanta @ Sky City, part of the R10-billion Sky City mega-development, offers apartments priced from R700,000 for a 2-bedroom unit (45 m²) to R1,200,000 for a 3-bedroom unit (80 m²). Features include fibre connectivity, modern kitchens, and prepaid meters. The estate offers 24-hour security, a private school, Sky City Mall, and jogging trails, located 10 minutes from Alberton. With no transfer duty, 21.6% sectional title price growth, and 7–8% rental yields, it’s ideal for young families and investors. Some mention limited public transport, but its amenities and R59 access enhance appeal.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a New Development in Johannesburg

Selecting the right development requires careful evaluation to align with your lifestyle and financial goals:

  • Price and Affordability: Budget-friendly options like The Bronx (R650,000–R950,000) suit first-time buyers, while Merelava Bryanston (up to R5,500,000) targets luxury seekers. No-transfer-duty offers across all developments reduce upfront costs.

  • Property Type: Freehold homes (Presidents Place, Orlando Ekhaya) offer space, while sectional title apartments (Merelava, The Bronx, The Atlanta) suit low-maintenance living.

  • Location and Accessibility: Bryanston’s Merelava and Midrand’s Presidents Place provide quick access to Sandton (10–15 minutes), while Sky City developments are near R59. Orlando Ekhaya connects via M1 to Johannesburg CBD.

  • Amenities and Security: All estates feature 24-hour security. Sky City developments offer malls and schools, while Merelava includes communal spaces. Presidents Place provides parks for families.

  • Investment Potential: Sectional titles show 21.6% price growth, while freehold homes average 17% over five years. Rental yields of 6–8% make The Atlanta and The Bronx attractive, especially in Alberton’s rental market.

  • Developer Reputation: Verify track records via Property24 or Private Property. Cosmopolitan Projects (The Atlanta) and Green Eye Housing (The Bronx, Presidents Place) are well-regarded.

  • Community and Lifestyle: Family-friendly estates like Orlando Ekhaya offer cultural vibrancy, while Merelava suits professionals with urban access.

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Visiting show houses, reviewing body corporate rules, and consulting agents on Property24 or Private Property can provide deeper insights.

Freehold vs. Sectional Title Developments in Johannesburg

Freehold Developments: Presidents Place and Orlando Ekhaya offer standalone houses (50–200 m²) priced from R800,000 to R3,500,000. They provide privacy and larger stands but have higher maintenance costs. Ideal for families, they show 17% price growth and strong rental demand (R8,000–R20,000/month), particularly in Midrand and Soweto. Sectional Title Developments: Merelava, The Bronx, and The Atlanta offer apartments (33–155 m²) from R650,000 to R5,500,000, ideal for professionals or investors seeking low-maintenance living. Shared amenities like pools and security reduce costs, with 21.6% price growth and 6–8% rental yields, driven by demand in Bryanston and Alberton.Consider space needs, maintenance preferences, and investment goals when choosing.

Why Invest in Johannesburg’s New Developments?

Johannesburg’s property market is thriving, with 33% of Gauteng’s 2023 transactions linked to estates, driven by demand for secure, urban living. Its status as South Africa’s economic hub, contributing 80% of GDP, ensures job opportunities and connectivity via N1, M1, and OR Tambo Airport. Top schools (Crawford, St Stithians), malls (Sandton City, Sky City Mall), and infrastructure like Gauteng Rapid Rail enhance livability. Developments like The Atlanta offer eco-friendly features (solar geysers, fibre), aligning with sustainable trends. No-transfer-duty incentives and 100% bond financing make buying accessible, while rental yields of 6–8% and price growth (17–21.6%) attract investors. Planned infrastructure, like Midrand’s business expansions and Soweto’s revitalization, signals strong future growth.

Addressing Common Concerns

Buyers often worry about affordability, construction delays, or financing. Budget options like The Bronx (from R650,000) and no-transfer-cost incentives ease financial strain. Developments like The Atlanta offer bond financing through banks or SA Home Loans, though strict lending criteria may challenge some buyers. Construction delays, noted in Merelava and Presidents Place, require timeline verification with developers. Community feedback on Property24 highlights robust security and amenities, though parking shortages (The Bronx, The Atlanta) and high levies (Merelava) are concerns. Review developer contracts and body corporate financials to ensure transparency.

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Tips for Buying in a New Development

  • Research Developers: Check reputations on Property24 or Private Property. Cosmopolitan Projects and Green Eye Housing have strong track records for affordable housing.

  • Visit Show Houses: Attend open days (e.g., The Atlanta’s 2025 launches) to assess build quality and amenities.

  • Understand Costs: Factor in levies (R1,500–R4,000/month) and rates/taxes. No-transfer-duty offers save significant costs.

  • Check Financing: Use in-house assistance from developers like Orlando Ekhaya, working with banks or SA Home Loans.

  • Evaluate Location: Prioritize proximity to N1, M1, or R59 for resale value and access to malls and schools.

  • Review Contracts: Confirm no-transfer-duty claims and completion dates with developers to avoid surprises.

Future Outlook for Johannesburg’s Property Market

Johannesburg’s market is poised for growth in 2025, with a 7.5% repo rate and low rental vacancy rates (below 2%) boosting demand. Areas like Bryanston, Midrand, and Alberton benefit from infrastructure upgrades, like Gauteng Rapid Rail and Sandton’s business expansions. Developments align with eco-friendly trends, offering solar geysers and fibre connectivity. Johannesburg’s affordability compared to Cape Town (sectional titles from R650,000 vs. R1,700,000) and strong rental yields make it a smart choice. Continued development in Soweto and Sky City, alongside economic growth from OR Tambo’s logistics hub, ensures long-term value appreciation.

Conclusion

Johannesburg’s top 5 new property developments for 2025—Merelava Bryanston, The Bronx, Presidents Place, Orlando Ekhaya, and The Atlanta @ Sky City—offer diverse options for buyers and investors. From affordable apartments (R650,000) to luxury estates (up to R5,500,000), these developments provide modern amenities, security, and proximity to Sandton, Soweto, and OR Tambo Airport. With no-transfer-duty incentives, 17–21.6% price growth, and 6–8% rental yields, they cater to various budgets. For the latest pricing, show house schedules, or financing details, visit developer websites or platforms like Property24 and Private Property to make an informed decision in Johannesburg’s thriving market.