Johannesburg has evolved rapidly into one of the biggest business hubs in the region. This has made it a major hotspot for global travellers, corporates and expats on long/short-term assignments. It has also become a key hub for business meetings, events and conferences.
Alongside, demand for accommodation in Johannesburg has also increased with a surge in tourist numbers. Families and leisure travellers find the city appealing on account of its unique culture and lifestyle. It also works as a strategic base to explore several other landmarks in the country. In this context, the growth in demand for furnished apartments is visible across the city.
What contributes to the same? Let’s find out.
Key Reasons behind the Growth of Furnished Apartments in Johannesburg
Be it Melville, Rosebank or Sandton furnished apartments, steady growth has been observed in demand across several Johannesburg localities. What are the main reasons behind the same? Here’s taking a look at some of them below.
Expat Movement and Corporate Mobility
Johannesburg is the commercial and financial hub of Africa. It is home to a flourishing economy and leading multinationals usually bring in several project-based workers, consultants and international executives. There is a large number of expats and corporates coming in on short-to-medium-term contracts. Fully furnished apartments take care of the needs of corporates, relocators and business travellers. They are cost-effective and hassle-free alternatives to expensive hotel accommodation.
Increasing Living Costs & Setup Hassles
Buying new home furnishings and gadgets involves steep costs upfront. The entire setting-up phase, including utilities and other essentials can be costly for families, remote workers and young professionals. Hence, they are more willing to rent fully furnished and equipped apartments to avoid these costs and hassles. The apartments are ready to move into, offering the ultimate convenience for a plug-and-play lifestyle.
Flexible Living Terms
Furnished accommodation in Johannesburg comes with flexible leases, enabling modern urbanites and families to stay as long as they want. You can pick from week-to-week, month-to-month and even longer leases (often extendable). This helps avoid rigid lease terms and commitments, while enabling people to move easily based on evolving preferences and career changes.
Cost-Effectiveness
Another reason behind the popularity of furnished apartments in Johannesburg has to do with affordability. The rates are often lower on a per-night basis, particularly for extended stays (than hotels and traditional rentals). What’s more, they are all-inclusive, covering utilities, Wi-Fi and services like cleaning or housekeeping. Kitchens and self-catering also help lower dining costs, while on-site laundry is another key benefit.
Top-Class Amenities
From reliable Wi-Fi to work desks, flat-screen televisions, appliances, well-equipped kitchens and 24/7 security, find everything you need at your apartment. They also come with housekeeping and concierge services for maximum convenience. Many also offer access to on-site pools, gyms, lounges, meeting rooms, elevators, restaurants and other amenities.
These are some of the key reasons behind the rapid growth in demand for furnished apartments in Johannesburg.
Best Areas to Book Furnished Apartments in Johannesburg
Some of the high-demand areas to book furnished apartments in the city include:
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Sandton:
Demand for Sandton furnished apartments is tremendously high throughout the year. Known as Africa’s richest square mile, the neighbourhood is arguably the poshest in the city. It is home to the Johannesburg Stock Exchange, headquarters of global banking giants and top-tier corporate offices. It is the city’s key corporate and financial hub, while offering excellent high-speed connectivity to the airport and Rosebank through the Gautrain.
The entire area is home to premium hospitality brands, fine dining establishments, top-class medical facilities and premier steakhouses. You will also find plenty of luxury shopping options at malls like the huge Sandton City. The Nelson Mandela Square is a key attraction here with its iconic statue.
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Rosebank:
Another affluent area in Johannesburg, it is home to numerous apartments and is pretty walkable too. The corporate precinct here is home to several companies, while you can reach Sandton with just a 5-minute Gautrain ride. It is also pedestrian-friendly with its own Gautrain station for easy access to the CBD and airport.
You will find the popular Rosebank Mall and the Zone @ Rosebank here, along with the Rosebank Art & Craft Market. The Keyes Art Mile and several rooftop bars also take care of your recreational needs after work. The neighbourhood is also home to several charming coffee shops and boutiques.
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Melville:
Melville is a more relaxed and bohemian neighbourhood that houses several leading educational institutions. It is near the Johannesburg CBD and key business zones like Rosebank and Braamfontein. The local Wilts bus lines also ensure great connectivity here. You will also find several hip restaurants and coffee shops in the neighbourhood, along with popular nightlife joints.
7th Street is the bustling hub of the area, dotted with vintage and thrift stores, pocket-friendly local bars and quaint bookshops. You can also visit the Melville Koppies Nature Reserve nearby for its wonderful city views and hiking trails.
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Maboneng Precinct:
The Maboneng Precinct is another option worth considering for your stay. The neighbourhood has transformed into a coveted urban zone from being an industrial area earlier. It is nestled on the Johannesburg CBD’s eastern edge, making it ideal for workers in the city centre, entrepreneurs and creative professionals.
Some of the key attractions include the Arts on Main and Market on Main on weekends, with their food stalls, street art/murals and designer boutiques. The area is also home to numerous independent galleries, restaurants and co-working spaces.
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Parkhurst:
It is a leafy and tranquil suburban zone which is near the CBD and business districts like Sandton and Rosebank. Parkhurst is also situated near key arterial roads, making it easy to reach several parts of Johannesburg smoothly by car or Uber.
The 4th Avenue here is known for its antique stores, charming independent bakeries, sidewalk cafes and premium boutiques. You will also find several green spaces and parks in the area, along with a family and community-friendly environment.