Gauteng is experiencing significant investment in purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) to address the substantial shortfall in quality, safe, and affordable housing for students. Some recent and upcoming developments in Johannesburg and Pretoria focus on a modern, community-centric, and secure student lifestyle, often meeting the Department of Higher Education and Training’s (DHET) minimum standards and sometimes being NSFAS-accredited.
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The latest developments in Gauteng’s student housing market tend to show a clear focus on:
High-quality, purpose-built accommodation (PBSA): Moving away from basic digs, the trend is towards professionally managed residences with modern designs.
Security and convenience: 24/7 security (guards, biometric access, CCTV), proximity to university campuses, and dedicated shuttle services are standard features.
Community and wellness: Some residences are designed with extensive communal areas—study rooms, lounges, gyms, coffee shops, braai/entertainment areas—to foster social engagement, mental health, and academic support.
Resilience and reliability: Essential services like backup power (solar/generator) and water are becoming critical features to ensure an uninterrupted study and living environment.
Strategic location: Projects are clustered in key academic nodes like Braamfontein (Wits), Parktown and Pretoria.
Public-private partnerships: Government agencies like the Gauteng Partnership Fund (GPF) are actively partnering with private and black-owned developers to deliver affordable, high-standard, and NSFAS-accredited units, especially in inner-city revitalisation efforts.
Recent and upcoming student housing projects:
Units on Jorissen Street
Located in Braamfontein, Johannesburg (opposite a Wits University entrance), Units on Jorissen opened its doors for the 2024 intake. The developer and operator is Eris Property Group and Rise Student Living.
Key Features:
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- Capacity for 1,071 beds.
- Strategic location in the student hub of Braamfontein, close to Wits and other tertiary institutions.
- Variety of unit mixes, including two- to eight-bedroom sharing units.
- Units equipped with a kitchen, bathroom, and lounge area.
- Focus on a safe environment and innovative spaces for living and studying.
Units on Blackwood (upcoming)
An upcoming location is Eris Property Group and Rise Student Living’s Units on Blackwood in Parktown, Johannesburg. The development is currently under construction, with completion targeted for the 2027 intake.
Key Features:
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- Planned capacity for 891 beds.
- A single-student residence focusing on dedicated housing near academic institutions in the Parktown area.
Ha Bo Rona Student Res
This Pretoria Gardens res in Tshwane is situated approximately 4km from Tshwane University of Technology – TUT. The developer/funder is Mapchief Trading (Pty) Ltd, co-funded by the Gauteng Partnership Fund (GPF) and the National Empowerment Fund (NEF). Ha Bo Rona Student Res launched in late 2024.
Key Features:
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- Modern student residence offering 308 beds across 77 fully furnished units.
- Focus on quality, secure, and affordable housing.
- Amenities: Fully equipped units (stoves, beds, study tables, lockers, lounge sets), free Wi-Fi, washing machines, tumble dryers.
- Sustainable Features: Energy-efficient elements like heat pumps for hot water and LED lighting.
- Security: 24-hour manned security.
Fountains View
Fountains View accommodation is in Pretoria, located for Tshwane University of Technology students. The developer/operator is Growthpoint Student Accommodation REIT and Thrive Student Living. It was completed and added beds from the 2024 academic year.
Key Features:
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- Provides 810 beds.
- Part of a larger trend by major property groups to invest in PBSA.
- Managed under the Thrive Student Living brand, which offers a Student Life programme focused on academic performance, physical health, and mental wellness.
- Amenities typically include study areas, games rooms, and essential backup power and water.
Horizon Heights
Horizon Heights in Johannesburg was positioned for University of Johannesburg students. The developer and operator here is Growthpoint Student Accommodation REIT / Thrive Student Living. This is completed in 2024.
Key Features:
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- Provides 800 beds.
- Managed by Thrive Student Living with a focus on a high-quality living and learning environment.
- Amenities include communal and study spaces, games rooms, and backup services for power and water.
