South Hills, Johannesburg: Cost of Living and Safety Guide

Posted on Author Bells Hardingstone

South Hills is a well-established residential suburb in the southern region of Johannesburg, located within Region F of the City of Johannesburg Metropolitan Municipality. About 6–8 km south-east of the CBD, it forms part of the cluster of southern suburbs that includes Rosettenville, Alberton, and Germiston.

South Hills, Johannesburg: Cost of Living and Safety Guide

1. Location and Overview

Geographic Context:

  • Coordinates: ~26°15′S 28°04′E
  • Neighbouring areas: Rosettenville (north), Alberton (east), Germiston (south-east)
  • Major roads: N12 highway, M31 (Rifle Range Road), M44 (Lombardy East Road)
  • Public transport: Minibus taxis, bus services, proximity to major corridors
  • Postal code: 2197

Historical Development:

  • In 2014, the City of Johannesburg announced a R1.95 billion mixed-use development in South Hills, spanning 199 hectares.
  • Planned to deliver 5,306 housing units over six years, including:
    • 2,242 subsidised “Breaking New Ground” units
    • 1,560 social/FLISP/GAP housing units for lower-middle income households
    • 1,525 affordable freehold units for ownership
  • Land was also set aside for schools, crèches, churches, sports facilities, and parks.
  • This project was part of the Corridors of Freedom vision, aimed at creating integrated communities closer to amenities and workplaces.

Community Character:
South Hills is described as family-orientated and active, with residents who value community engagement. It appeals to buyers and renters seeking affordable housing close to major amenities, while retaining a strong local identity.

2. Cost of Living

Property Purchase Prices (2026):

  • 2-bedroom: ~R755,600 (R5,532/m²)
  • 3-bedroom: ~R1,095,571 (R2,897/m²)
  • 4-bedroom: ~R1,384,167 (R1,992/m²)
  • 5-bedroom: ~R1,399,000 (R2,821/m²)

Rental Prices:

  • 2-bedroom: ~R6,438/month (R155/m²)
  • 3-bedroom: ~R9,750/month (R64/m²)
  • Specific listings:
    • 2-bedroom apartment (43m²): R6,100/month
    • 3-bedroom house with solar geyser & gas hob: R7,500/month

Additional Housing Costs:

  • Rates: ~R250/month (2-bedroom apartment)
  • Levy: ~R900/month (security village)
  • Utilities: Pre-paid electricity and water
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Johannesburg Cost of Living Context:

  • 1-bedroom rent (city centre): ~R6,904/month
  • 1-bedroom rent (outside centre): ~R5,178/month
  • 3-bedroom rent (outside centre): ~R9,023/month
  • Average salary: ~R489,716/year

Affordability Assessment:
South Hills is more affordable than Johannesburg averages for ownership, though rentals are slightly higher than the city’s outer suburbs.

Estimated Monthly Cost of Living for a Couple in South Hills:

  • Rent (2-bedroom): R6,438
  • Utilities: R800–1,200
  • Groceries: R3,500–4,500
  • Transport: R1,500–2,500
  • Internet & mobile: R600–900
  • Total: ~R12,800–R15,500

3. Safety and Security

Johannesburg Crime Context (2026):

  • Johannesburg ranks as the third most dangerous city in Africa, with a crime index of 80.8 and a safety score of 19.2.
  • Risks include phone snatching, smash-and-grab theft, armed robbery, carjacking, and property crimes.
  • Crime is geographically concentrated — inner-city areas like Hillbrow, Yeoville, and Berea are far riskier than suburban zones.

South Hills Risk Profile:

  • South Hills is not listed among high-risk suburbs.
  • Its family-orientated character and active community engagement place it in a lower-risk category compared to inner-city areas.
  • Security-conscious housing developments (with electric fencing, access gates, and alarm systems) are common.
  • Proximity to major transport corridors means residents should remain alert at traffic lights and intersections.

Safety Recommendations for Residents:

  • At home: maintain burglar bars, alarm systems, and electric fencing; join neighbourhood watch groups.
  • When out: avoid walking alone at night, keep car doors locked, use ride-hailing services for evening travel.
  • For visitors: arrange property viewings with reputable agents, avoid displaying valuables, and travel during daylight hours.

Security Features in Local Properties:

  • Electric fencing and access-controlled gates in security villages.
  • Alarm systems linked to private security.
  • Burglar bars and fenced properties for perimeter protection.
  • Some developments marketed as “state-of-the-art security villages” with 24-hour patrols.
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4. Amenities and Lifestyle

Shopping & Retail:

  • Mall of the South: 5 minutes away, offering major retail and dining.
  • South Gate Mall: Another nearby option for shopping and entertainment.

Education:

  • Multiple primary and high schools within 5–10 minutes.
  • Crèches and early childhood centres included in the new development plan.
  • Land set aside for two schools in the 199-hectare project.

Recreation & Community:

  • Golf courses accessible within short drives.
  • Community recreation centres and rehabilitated public pool/park.
  • Parks and green spaces integrated into the new development.

Transportation & Access:

  • Johannesburg CBD: ~15 minutes.
  • Sandton: ~15 minutes.
  • Rand Airport: ~8 minutes.
  • OR Tambo International: ~25–30 minutes.
  • Immediate access to N12 and M31 highways.

5. Property Investment Outlook

Market Trends:

  • Steady listing activity across different property sizes shows an active market.
  • Affordable entry point: 2-bedroom homes average ~R755,600, making South Hills accessible for first-time buyers.
  • Investor interest: Security villages offer packages with free levies and guaranteed tenants.

Recent Development Projects:

  • The City of Johannesburg invested ~R750 million in infrastructure for the 199-hectare South Hills development.
  • Upgrades included roads, sewerage, and water supply, boosting long-term property value.

Investor Package Example:

  • Free levies for one year (~R10,800 value).
  • Guaranteed tenant arranged.
  • Qualifying income: R25,000/month combined.

Investment Considerations:

  • Rental Demand: Strong for affordable, secure units.
  • Capital Growth: Supported by ongoing development and infrastructure upgrades.
  • Risk Factors: Johannesburg’s crime context requires robust property-level security.
  • Long-Term Outlook: Proximity to major development corridors suggests sustained interest.

6. Frequently Asked Questions

Is South Hills safe?
Yes, relative to inner-city areas. It is family-orientated and active, with many properties featuring electric fencing, alarms, and security posts. Standard urban safety practices remain essential.

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What are average property prices?

  • 2-bedroom: ~R755,600
  • 3-bedroom: ~R1,095,571
  • 4-bedroom: ~R1,384,167
  • 5-bedroom: ~R1,399,000

What are average rentals?

  • 2-bedroom: ~R6,438/month
  • 3-bedroom: ~R9,750/month
  • Specific listings: 2-bedroom apartment at R6,100/month; 3-bedroom house at R7,500/month.

What amenities are nearby?
Mall of the South, South Gate Mall, schools, recreation centres, golf courses, and major transport routes.

Postal Code:

Is South Hills a good investment?
Yes. Affordable entry prices, strong rental demand, and ongoing infrastructure development make it attractive for first-time buyers and investors.

How does South Hills compare to other southern suburbs?

  • Rosettenville: Older housing stock, less modern development.
  • Alberton: More established, with higher property prices.
  • South Hills: Affordable, actively developing, with strong community character.

Conclusion

South Hills offers an affordable and evolving residential option in Johannesburg’s southern suburbs. With property prices below city averages, strong rental demand, and major infrastructure investment, it appeals to first-time buyers, families, and investors.

Safety requires vigilance, but South Hills is not considered a high-risk area. Community engagement and security-conscious developments add reassurance.

Who Should Consider South Hills:

  • First-time buyers seeking affordable entry into the property market.
  • Families wanting suburban character with access to schools and malls.
  • Investors targeting affordable rentals with strong demand.

Who Might Look Elsewhere:

  • Buyers seeking ultra-luxury homes or lifestyle estates.
  • Those wanting immediate access to high-end shopping and entertainment.

South Hills represents a suburb in transition — affordable, family-friendly, and supported by ongoing development. For those willing to balance affordability with urban vigilance, it offers solid value in 2026.