Top 10 Social Housing Projects in Johannesburg (2026)

Top 10 Social Housing Projects in Johannesburg: Complete Guide

Access to affordable, quality housing is one of South Africa’s greatest challenges. In a city like Johannesburg, where the cost of living continues to rise, finding a safe, decent place to live at a price you can afford is increasingly difficult for low to middle-income households.

Social housing provides a solution. It offers rental accommodation at below-market rates for people who earn too much to qualify for government-subsidised RDP housing but too little to afford private rental in desirable areas. These projects are not just about housing; they are about creating sustainable, integrated communities.

This guide ranks the top 10 social housing projects in Johannesburg for 2026. We cover location, rental levels, amenities, and how to apply.

What Is Social Housing?

Social housing is rental or co-operative housing for low to medium-income persons. It is provided by accredited social housing institutions and is typically funded through a combination of government grants and private finance.

Key features:

Target market: Households earning between R1,500 and R15,000 per month (income bands vary by project).
Rental levels: Below-market rates, typically 30% to 40% lower than comparable private rentals.
Well-managed: Professional housing management.
Sustainable communities: Often include social amenities and community development programmes.
Not RDP: Social housing is rental, not ownership. It is for households who do not qualify for free housing.

Quick Reference: Top 10 Social Housing Projects (Johannesburg, 2026)

Rank	Project Name	Location	Units	Target Income
1	The Cosmo City Project	Cosmo City	3,000+	R3,500 – R12,000
2	Brickfields	Newtown	1,400	R2,500 – R10,000
3	Johannesburg Inner City	Various (CBD/Hillbrow)	2,000+	R1,500 – R7,500
4	Fleurhof Integrated Development	Fleurhof	2,500+	R3,000 – R12,000
5	The Den	Johannesburg CBD	300	R3,500 – R8,000
6	Ellie’s Place	Bertrams	170	R2,500 – R7,500
7	Lorentzville Village	Lorentzville	200	R3,000 – R8,000
8	The Village	Jeppestown	400	R2,500 – R7,500
9	Metropolitan	Johannesburg CBD	250	R3,000 – R8,000
10	Esselen Park	Esselen Park	300	R2,500 – R7,500

Note: Unit counts and rental levels are estimates for 2026. Actual availability varies depending on government subsidies, developer partnerships, and rollout schedules.

1. The Cosmo City Project

Cosmo City is one of the largest and most successful integrated housing developments in South Africa. Located in Johannesburg’s northern reaches, it is a mixed-income community with social housing, bonded housing, and RDP housing all in one area.

Location: Cosmo City, north of Johannesburg
Developer/Manager: Various, including the Cosmo City Social Housing Company
Units: Over 3,000 social housing units
Target Income: R3,500 to R12,000 per month

What Makes It Special:

Cosmo City is a model for integrated development. It is not just a housing project; it is a complete community with schools, clinics, shopping centres, and recreational facilities. The social housing component provides quality rental accommodation for qualifying households.

Amenities:

Schools and crèches.
Community centre.
Shopping centre.
Clinics.
Sports fields.
Parks.

Rental Levels:

Vary by unit size and location. Typically R1,500 to R4,000 per month for social housing units.

Best for: Families wanting a complete community environment in a well-established, integrated development.

2. Brickfields

Brickfields is a landmark social housing project in Newtown, close to the Johannesburg CBD. It has transformed a previously run-down area into a vibrant, desirable place to live.

Location: Newtown, Johannesburg CBD
Developer/Manager: Johannesburg Social Housing Company
Units: Approximately 1,400
Target Income: R2,500 to R10,000 per month

What Makes It Special:

Brickfields is right in the heart of the city, close to major employers, universities, and cultural attractions. It has won awards for its design and its contribution to urban regeneration. Residents enjoy easy access to public transport, including the Rea Vaya bus system and the Gautrain station nearby.

Amenities:

Close to public transport (Rea Vaya, Gautrain).
Walking distance to the CBD.
Near educational institutions (Wits, UJ).
Community facilities within the development.
Secure, well-managed environment.

Rental Levels:

Studio flats: From R2,000 per month.
One-bedroom: From R2,800 per month.
Two-bedroom: From R3,800 per month.

Best for: Students, young professionals, and small families wanting to live in the city centre.

3. Johannesburg Inner City Social Housing

The Johannesburg Inner City has seen a massive revitalisation effort over the past two decades. JOSHCO and other social housing institutions have converted many run-down buildings into quality rental accommodation.

Location: Various locations in Johannesburg CBD, including Hillbrow, Berea, and Joubert Park
Developer/Manager: Johannesburg Social Housing Company and others
Units: Over 2,000 across multiple projects
Target Income: R1,500 to R7,500 per month

What Makes It Special:

These projects offer affordable accommodation right in the heart of the city. They provide access to jobs, transport, education, and amenities. The buildings are well-managed and secure, providing a safe environment in previously troubled areas.

Specific Projects:

Carr Gardens: Family units in a secure complex.
The Edge: Modern apartments in Berea.
Highpoint: Mixed-use development in Hillbrow.
Various converted buildings throughout the inner city.

Amenities:

Close to public transport.
Walking distance to shops and restaurants.
Access to educational institutions.
24-hour security in most buildings.

Rental Levels:

Vary by project and unit size. Typically R1,500 to R4,500 per month.

Best for: Single persons, students, and small families wanting affordable city living.

4. Fleurhof Integrated Development

Fleurhof is another large-scale integrated development, located on the border between Johannesburg and Soweto. Like Cosmo City, it combines social housing, bonded housing, and RDP housing.

Location: Fleurhof, between Johannesburg and Soweto
Developer/Manager: Various, including the Fleurhof Social Housing Company
Units: Over 2,500 social housing units planned
Target Income: R3,000 to R12,000 per month

What Makes It Special:

Fleurhof is designed as a complete, sustainable community. It includes schools, clinics, retail, and recreational facilities. The social housing component provides quality rental options for qualifying households.

Amenities:

Schools.
Community centre.
Shopping facilities.
Clinics.
Sports fields.
Parks.

Rental Levels:

Vary by unit size. Typically R1,800 to R4,500 per month for social housing units.

Best for: Families wanting a community environment close to both Johannesburg and Soweto.

5. The Den

The Den is a modern social housing project in the Johannesburg CBD, offering quality accommodation in a secure, well-managed environment.

Location: Johannesburg CBD
Developer/Manager: Private sector social housing institution
Units: Approximately 300
Target Income: R3,500 to R8,000 per month

What Makes It Special:

The Den offers contemporary apartments with good finishes. It is aimed at young professionals and small families who want to live in the city but cannot afford private rentals. The building has 24-hour security and is well-managed.

Amenities:

24-hour security.
Close to public transport.
Walking distance to shops and restaurants.
Community facilities.

Rental Levels:

Studio flats: From R2,500 per month.
One-bedroom: From R3,200 per month.
Two-bedroom: From R4,200 per month.

Best for: Young professionals and small families wanting modern city living.

6. Ellie’s Place

Ellie’s Place is a social housing project in Bertrams, close to the Johannesburg CBD and major educational institutions. It is popular with students and young professionals.

Location: Bertrams, Johannesburg
Developer/Manager: Social housing institution
Units: Approximately 170
Target Income: R2,500 to R7,500 per month

What Makes It Special:

Ellie’s Place is located close to the University of Johannesburg and other educational facilities. It offers affordable, quality accommodation in a secure environment. The building has a strong sense of community.

Amenities:

Close to UJ and other institutions.
24-hour security.
Community room.
Laundry facilities.

Rental Levels:

Studio flats: From R2,200 per month.
One-bedroom: From R2,800 per month.

Best for: Students and young professionals.

7. Lorentzville Village

Lorentzville Village is a social housing project in the Lorentzville area, close to the Johannesburg CBD. It offers a mix of unit types in a well-managed complex.

Location: Lorentzville, Johannesburg
Developer/Manager: Social housing institution
Units: Approximately 200
Target Income: R3,000 to R8,000 per month

What Makes It Special:

Lorentzville Village provides quality rental accommodation in a convenient location. The complex is secure and well-maintained, with a sense of community among residents.

Amenities:

24-hour security.
Close to public transport.
Community facilities.
Parking.

Rental Levels:

One-bedroom: From R2,800 per month.
Two-bedroom: From R3,800 per month.

Best for: Small families and couples.

8. The Village, Jeppestown

The Village is a social housing project in Jeppestown, one of Johannesburg’s oldest suburbs. It is part of the ongoing regeneration of the area.

Location: Jeppestown, Johannesburg
Developer/Manager: Social housing institution
Units: Approximately 400
Target Income: R2,500 to R7,500 per month

What Makes It Special:

The Village offers affordable accommodation in a convenient location close to the CBD. The development is secure and well-managed, contributing to the regeneration of Jeppestown.

Amenities:

24-hour security.
Close to public transport.
Community facilities.
Nearby shops and amenities.

Rental Levels:

Studio flats: From R2,000 per month.
One-bedroom: From R2,600 per month.
Two-bedroom: From R3,500 per month.

Best for: Single persons, couples, and small families.

9. Metropolitan

The Metropolitan is a social housing project in the Johannesburg CBD, offering quality apartments in a central location.

Location: Johannesburg CBD
Developer/Manager: Social housing institution
Units: Approximately 250
Target Income: R3,000 to R8,000 per month

What Makes It Special:

The Metropolitan offers well-designed apartments in a secure, centrally located building. It is close to transport, shops, and employment opportunities.

Amenities:

24-hour security.
Close to public transport.
Walking distance to CBD amenities.
Community facilities.

Rental Levels:

Studio flats: From R2,300 per month.
One-bedroom: From R3,000 per month.
Two-bedroom: From R4,000 per month.

Best for: Young professionals and small families.

10. Esselen Park

Esselen Park is a social housing project located in the Esselen Park area, close to the Johannesburg CBD. It offers affordable rental accommodation in a secure environment.

Location: Esselen Park, Johannesburg
Developer/Manager: Social housing institution
Units: Approximately 300
Target Income: R2,500 to R7,500 per month

What Makes It Special:

Esselen Park provides quality, affordable housing in a convenient location. The complex is well-managed and secure, offering a good quality of life for residents.

Amenities:

24-hour security.
Close to public transport.
Community facilities.
Nearby amenities.

Rental Levels:

One-bedroom: From R2,500 per month.
Two-bedroom: From R3,400 per month.

Best for: Couples and small families.

Quick Reference: Social Housing Projects (Johannesburg, 2026)

Project	Location	Units	Target Income	Best For
Cosmo City	Cosmo City	3,000+	R3,500 – R12,000	Families, community
Brickfields	Newtown	1,400	R2,500 – R10,000	City living
Inner City	CBD/Hillbrow	2,000+	R1,500 – R7,500	Singles, students
Fleurhof	Fleurhof	2,500+	R3,000 – R12,000	Families, community
The Den	CBD	300	R3,500 – R8,000	Young professionals
Ellie’s Place	Bertrams	170	R2,500 – R7,500	Students
Lorentzville	Lorentzville	200	R3,000 – R8,000	Couples, families
The Village	Jeppestown	400	R2,500 – R7,500	Singles, families
Metropolitan	CBD	250	R3,000 – R8,000	Professionals
Esselen Park	Esselen Park	300	R2,500 – R7,500	Couples, families

Note: Unit counts and income brackets are estimates for 2026. Actual availability and eligibility depend on project rollout, government subsidies, and developer partnerships.

How To Apply For Social Housing

The application process varies by project, but generally follows these steps:

Step 1: Check your eligibility.

You must be a South African citizen or permanent resident.
Your household income must fall within the target band for the project.
You must not own property.
You must be over 18.

Step 2: Find a project.

Research projects in your desired area.
Check with the Johannesburg Social Housing Company or other social housing institutions.

Step 3: Obtain an application form.

Forms are available from the project office or website.

Step 4: Complete the form and gather documents.

Certified copy of your ID.
Proof of income (payslips, bank statements).
Proof of residence.
Marriage certificate (if applicable).
Birth certificates for dependents.

Step 5: Submit your application.

Submit in person or online as instructed.
Keep proof of submission.

Step 6: Join the waiting list.

Social housing is in high demand. There are long waiting lists.
Be patient and follow up periodically.

Step 7: Attend an interview.

If a unit becomes available, you may be contacted for an interview.

Step 8: Sign the lease.

If approved, you will sign a lease agreement.
Pay the required deposit and first month’s rent.

Rental Levels And Affordability

Rental levels in social housing are significantly below market rates. They are typically calculated as a percentage of household income, often around 30% to 40% of gross monthly income.

Typical rental ranges:

R1,500 to R2,500 per month for smaller units in inner-city projects.
R2,500 to R4,000 per month for larger units in integrated developments.
R4,000 to R5,500 per month for premium units in newer projects.

These rents include basic services but may exclude electricity and water in some cases.

Who Qualifies For Social Housing?

General eligibility criteria:

South African citizenship or permanent residency.
Household income within the specified band (typically R1,500 to R15,000 per month, but varies).
First-time home seekers (you must not own property).
Over 18 years of age.
Creditworthy and able to afford the rent.

Some projects have additional criteria, such as employment status or family composition.

Common Questions, FAQ Section

What is the difference between social housing and RDP housing?

RDP housing is a government subsidy that provides free houses to qualifying low-income households. Social housing is rental accommodation for households who earn too much for an RDP house but cannot afford private rentals.

How do I apply for social housing in Johannesburg?

Contact the Johannesburg Social Housing Company or individual project managers. Check their websites for application details.

What income do I need to qualify for social housing?

Income bands vary by project, typically from R1,500 to R15,000 per month. Check specific project requirements.

How long is the waiting list for social housing?

Waiting lists are long, often several years. Demand far exceeds supply.

Can I apply if I have bad credit?

You may still qualify, but you must demonstrate that you can afford the rent. A credit check is usually performed.

Do social housing projects allow pets?

Policies vary. Most do not allow pets, but some may have exceptions. Check with the specific project.

Is social housing safe?

Yes. Social housing projects are professionally managed with security measures in place. They are generally safer than many private rental buildings in the same areas.

Can I buy a social housing unit?

No. Social housing is rental only. It is not for sale.

What happens if my income increases above the threshold?

You may be required to move out after a certain period, or your rent may be adjusted. Policies vary by project.

Are there social housing projects for the elderly?

Some projects are specifically for senior citizens. Check with JOSHCO for dedicated elderly housing.

Summary: Which Social Housing Project Is Right For You?

Choose Cosmo City or Fleurhof if:

You are a family wanting a complete community environment.
You prefer a suburban setting.
You want access to schools and amenities within the development.

Choose Brickfields or Inner City projects if:

You want to live in the city centre.
You need access to public transport.
You are a student or young professional.

Choose The Den or Metropolitan if:

You want modern, contemporary apartments.
You are a young professional.
You value design and finishes.

Choose Ellie’s Place if:

You are a student.
You need to be close to UJ.
You want a community feel.

Choose Lorentzville Village, The Village, or Esselen Park if:

You are a couple or small family.
You want affordable, secure accommodation.
You prefer a location close to the city.

Final Warning: Be Patient And Beware Of Scams

Demand for social housing far exceeds supply. Waiting lists are long. Do not pay anyone who promises to fast-track your application. That is a scam.

Only apply through official channels. Deal directly with accredited social housing institutions. Be prepared to wait.

Official Resources:

Johannesburg Social Housing Company: www.joshco.co.za
Social Housing Regulatory Authority: www.shra.org.za
Department of Human Settlements: www.dhs.gov.za

—

This guide was last updated for 2026 standards. Social housing projects, rental levels, and application procedures are subject to change without notice. Always verify current information directly with the project managers and official agencies.