In the South African property market, the attraction of a security estate is clearer than ever. Tenants don’t want to compromise on safety, and they seek a sense of community in the complexes they live in, with easy access to amenities. Below, we’ll uncover the reasons tenants prioritise security estates and how IGrow can offer you prime investment properties within this space.
Why do tenants want more from their homes?
Recent property trends highlight that safety, smart security systems, and gated estates (offering a community feel) are critical.
- In 2024, demand for smart homes and properties with advanced security systems increased by 15%. “This surge is linked to smart home technology becoming a standard in new properties, as noted by BusinessTech. Buyers are drawn to the convenience and efficiency of homes with integrated smart technologies, including advanced security systems.” (Source)
- Security estate living has gained traction throughout South Africa, specifically in Gauteng and Cape Town. Increasingly, people seek safety and access to amenities.
- Security estates that offer backup power, backup water, reliable and speedy internet, a community for residents, and optimal security features serve as major drawcards for tenants looking for accommodation.
- Sharing the costs of all of these features is one of the drawcards of security estates and apartment buildings – paying for all of this on your own in a freestanding home in the suburbs can be a daunting prospect.
Trends in security-seeking tenant behaviour
In 2024, 15% of all new developments in South Africa were gated security complex communities. These complexes offer safety and security, luxurious elements, and community-based lifestyles. (Source)
The demand for security estate lifestyles is increasing, and developers will continue building in this sector. The trend of living in gated security estate communities highlights a shift in mentality regarding what people want from their homes. (Source)
Emerging areas for security estate demand
The demand for security estate living is on the rise.
Here is where the demand is the strongest:
- Cape Town: from the northern to southern suburbs, Cape Town security estates are in demand. They offer safety, scenic and nature-based activities in the mountains and at the beaches, a wide variety of amenities, and proximity to excellent schools and tertiary institutions. This makes security estates in Cape Town developments hot buys for investors and ideal accommodation for tenants.
- Johannesburg: From Sandton to Northriding, properties with an optimal security infrastructure and enriching lifestyle amenities on-site are in huge demand. Security estates in Johannesburg offer good occupancy rates and strong rental returns.
- Pretoria: Suburbs like Akasia and Pretoria North and East in particular are seeing more and more developments that offer 24-hour security, manned security entrances, and well-managed estates. Security estates in Pretoria offer excellent returns for investors and are sought-after by tenants.
Ideal Properties to Build Your Winning Portfolio
Below we share some of our top property investment picks in Johannesburg, Pretoria, and Cape Town.
Security estates in Johannesburg
Sandton, Johannesburg
Brooke Manor in Rivonia, Sandton, Johannesburg, offers 2-bedroom, 1 bathroom apartments priced from R1,199,000. This is a brand-new residential development near Sandton’s city centre, whilst offering the perks of suburban life.
The units are modern, open-plan, offering reliable power and speedy internet. The area boasts excellent schools and a variety of fun weekend activities nearby. With this prime location, your rental income will reap the rewards you are after!
The View, in Morningside, Sandton, offers studio and 1-bedroom, 1-bathroom apartments priced from R1,110,540 to R1,599,000. The Sandton City buzz is a few minutes away. These units suit modern working professionals, with beautiful gardens, balconies, and stunning interior finishes.
Investors will enjoy this prime location and high tenant demand, with these units offering excellent rental rates. All of the units at The View have off-grid capability with both water and electricity back-up. The complex has a concierge, lifts and the best that luxury has to offer.
Randburg, Johannesburg
Isabel Estate, in Northriding, Randburg, Johannesburg, offers 1 Bedroom, 1-Bathroom, 2-Bedroom 1-Bathroom, and 2-Bedroom, 2 Bathroom units priced from R999,000. The estate has wonderful designer interiors that come already tenanted, offering investors immediate income on registration.
The area is idyllic with the combination of a country and urban feel. There are excellent employment opportunities in the vicinity, dog-friendly parks, ice skating rinks, and concert venues. The estate is near excellent schools, healthcare facilities and shopping malls. There are two swimming pools within the complex, a fun clubhouse, and kids’ playgrounds.
Fern Valley, in Ferndale, Randburg, Johannesburg, offers sunny and spacious 2- Bedroom, 1-Bathroom Apartments priced from R995,000. This complex is stylish, decorated in a minimalist manner, and owned by well-known Messaris Wapenaar Cole Architects. The units are sunny and bright with space for a washing machine and dishwasher in the kitchen.
Uncapped WiFi is included. Bedrooms are spacious and can accommodate a queen-sized bed, with an open-plan living area. The units have balconies, and the ground-floor apartments have gardens. The complex is well-situated in Ferndale, Randburg, near Bryanston. The apartments are within walking distance of shops and restaurants, and only 2 minutes away from major transport routes.
Security estate opportunities in Pretoria
Theresa Park in Akasia, Pretoria North, offers 1-bedroom 1-bathroom and 2-bedroom 1-bathroom apartments priced from R544,900 to R684,900. 24-hour security is on offer, together with kids’ play areas, a swimming pool, and a community feel with communal braai areas.
Existing tenants, already settled here, are loyal and content. IGrow’s investors can earn an immediate income on registration with the already-tenanted units. Theresa Park offers an incredibly low price point and levies, as well as excellent ROI. These investment units are affordable and a smart property investment choice!
Woodlands Lane is a new boutique security estate found in the heart of popular Pretoria East. It caters to both luxury and comfort. The estate is currently under construction by the reputable JT Group, which has 55 years of construction expertise. There are 72 one- and two-bedroom units on offer that provide idyllic spacious designs. The units are priced from R1,049,000. Occupation is from mid-2026.
With 33@View, one of IGrow’s off-plan options, you have the space to design your ideal home by choosing from a variety of bespoke additions according to your taste. This unique approach means that each home reflects the distinct character and needs of its owner. This estate is not merely a place to live, but a place to thrive and is nearby the necessary amenities.
There are full-title, free-standing homes on offer, and you get all the benefits of beautiful design, as well as a safe estate. There are very low levies, and investors will own their entire property. The estate is suitable for families and is pet-friendly. The stunning 2-Bed & 3-Bed own title homes are priced from R1,595,000. Completion of construction is mid-2026.
Security estate opportunities in Cape Town and surrounds
The Kingsley in Mowbray, Southern suburbs, Cape Town, offers studio apartments priced from R1,199,000. The units are stylish, safe and secure and a mere 750m from UCT’s main campus and near to Amazon’s headquarters.
Cape Town CBD is a short drive away with restaurants, malls, nightlife and beaches to tantalise your tastebuds! There are only 6 units left- so act fast on this prime location investment opportunity.
Mzuri Estate in Somerset West, Cape Town, offers 3-bedroom terraced homes and luxury 3 and 4-bedroom freestanding homes priced from R2,610,300. The homes offer the ideal mix of modern aesthetics, convenience and natural beauty. Some houses in the security estate have dedicated home offices ideal for remote professionals, and they have fast, reliable WiFi in each of them.
There is a world of adventure just outside your front door. Running and walking trails are available on site. There’s also a doggy park in the estate, and the houses are pet-friendly. There is a beautiful dam on the premises for the perfect sundowners or picnic spot, or to enjoy kayaking on. Exceptional wine farms and activities are all nearby. You will be able to enjoy an active and relaxing lifestyle as a resident here.
Key Takeaways
- Security estates retain value: Properties found in a security estate attract tenants seeking safety, accessible amenities, and a community setup and feel and are in demand more and more.
- Smart homes and high tech features are at times necessary: The 15% rise in demand for high-tech security systems shows that units that offer reliable security measures are critical. (Source)
- Security estate/gated communities are growing: There is a rise in developments of security estates, and investor demand and tenant preferences in this sector is high. Security estates in Johannesburg, Pretoria and Cape Town offer wonderful investment opportunities.
- The property’s location is important: Security estates found close to good schools and tertiary institutions, employment hubs for working professionals, main transport routes, and convenient and fun lifestyle amenities are in high demand. This, in turn, boosts rental demand and increases capital appreciation.
- Affordability and ROI are vital: Investors who offer well-priced rental units in security estates with top-notch amenities on-site and also nearby will benefit from excellent ROI.
Conclusion
Tenants are looking for secure and safe accommodation. As a result, investors are focusing on buying security estate units in key areas like Johannesburg, Pretoria and Cape Town. These areas offer strong rental yields and excellent ROI.
IGrow’s security estate offering appeals to tenant demand for safety, smart tech, accessibility to amenities, proximity to good schools and tertiary institutes and a community setup and feel. IGrow’s investors stand to benefit from our broad selection of security complex properties, with some of our top picks mentioned above.
Contact an IGrow property investment strategist today, and let’s set your security estate property investment journey in motion.
