From Jozi to jacarandas: What makes Gauteng so lekker

Friendly people...safe estates and complexes...access to opportunities: these are just a few of the factors that Gauteng residents love about their home. The heartland of South Africa's economy also offers a diverse cultural scene, endless entertainment options and access to amenities. Jawitz Properties analyses everything that Gauteng has to offer and provides insights on the property market in some of Gauteng's best-loved residential areas.

Job opportunities 

While the Western Cape may give Gauteng a run for its money in terms of offering South Africa's highest salaries, Gauteng remains South Africa's economic powerhouse. It not only contributes the largest share of the country's GDP, but is also home to the corporate headquarters for many multinational companies and major South African corporations. A huge variety of industries are well represented in Gauteng, from finance and tech to manufacturing and logistics. 

Vibrant energy coupled with green spaces

When it comes to culture, restaurants and shopping, Gauteng has it all. Those passionate about theatrical arts can remind themselves that all the world's a stage at the Joburg Theatre, The Market Theatre, The South African State Theatre or the Montecasino Theatre.

The province's long list of cultural attractions includes icons like the Pretoria Monument, Gold Reef City, Nelson Mandela Square, Lesedi Cultural Village and the Apartheid Museum - and that's just scratching the surface.

From high-end couture in Sandton City to spending a casual day with the family at one of the many farmers markets dotted across the province, Gauteng has shopaholics' needs covered.

Gauteng has a long-standing, and completely unfair, reputation for being a concrete jungle. The province is home to multiple botanical gardens, nature reserves, hiking and mountain biking trails and dams.

A promising property market

Despite prevailing economic challenges, various parts of Gauteng are providing investors with impressive returns. For example, the median price of freehold properties in Bedfordview has risen sharply from R3 400 000 to R3 800 000 in 2025. 

On a similar vein, Lightstone data reveals that the median price of vacant land in Randburg was R365 000 in 2021. Fast forward four years and this figure is now R1 070 000. Another noteworthy fact about Randburg real estate is its burgeoning popularity among young property buyers. According to Lightstone data, only 10% of stable owners in the area are between 18 and 35 years old. However, the youth market makes up almost 35% of recent Randburg property buyers.

Freehold properties in Centurion have grown steadily in value since 2019. Six years ago, the median price was R1 650 000 and in 2025, that number has climbed to R2 200 000. Centurion is another area proving popular among young buyers, with 7% of stable owners being in the 18-35 age group, and 30% of recent buyers falling into the same category. One of the factors driving Centurion's popularity is undoubtedly its great blend of freehold properties, sectional titles and homes within secure estates.

Properties in Joburg and Pretoria's estates are also growing from strength to strength in value. Sectional title properties in Pretoria's Silver Lakes Golf Estate is a great example. In 2020, the median price was R2 000 000 and this has now climbed to R3 300 000. A similar pattern can be seen in Waterlake Farm Lifestyle Estate, where a sectional title property could be purchased for an average of R1 750 000 in 2021. In 2025, the median price of these sectional titles is R2 750 000.

The Gauteng Gees: People, spirit and that lekker vibe

Beyond job prospects, properties, and endless amenities, Gauteng offers something less tangible but just as valuable - its people and the unmistakable energy they bring. There's a certain gees (spirit) here that you won't find anywhere else. From the fast pace of city life in Joburg to the laid-back charm of Pretoria's jacaranda-lined streets, Gauteng is full of communities that are warm, welcoming, and proudly diverse.

Whether you're networking in Sandton, strolling through a market in Bryanston, or chatting to neighbours in a Centurion estate, you'll find that sense of hustle, heart, and humour that gives Gauteng its magic. It's a place where ambition and community go hand in hand - where people show up for each other and create spaces worth calling home.

At the end of the day, that's what makes Gauteng truly lekker: the people who live here and the pride they take in their province.

It's no surprise to the Jawitz Properties team that real estate in Gauteng continues to be highly valued and sought after. If you're interested in investing in property in South Africa's beating heart, get in touch and let us find you an ideal investment locale in Gauteng.