Bryanston and Sandton surge in popularity: Rising demand and Web searches highlight growing Real Estate interest

Key Takeaways

• Gauteng locations, especially Bryanston and Sandton, are now among the top web searches for property buyers.
• Sandton attracts high-net-worth buyers, with growing interest from both locals and international investors.
• Bryanston offers diverse residential options, from R900k sectional title units to R40 million estates.

Increased demand

In today’s digital age, prospective homebuyers are increasingly turning to the internet to begin their property search. A recent analysis by the Pam Golding Property group reveals that Gauteng, particularly Bryanston and Sandton, has seen a significant uptick in web search activity.

This shift indicates a growing demand for properties in these areas, both from local buyers and international investors.

Dr. Andrew Golding, CEO of Pam Golding Properties, notes that while Cape Town remains the dominant search location, Bryanston and Sandton are rapidly gaining ground. In fact, these two Gauteng suburbs ranked second and third in the top 20 web searches for property in the six months from August 2024 to January 2025, demonstrating a shift in buyer interest to these prestigious areas.

Rising Interest in Bryanston and Sandton

‍The growing appeal of Sandton can be attributed to its position as a business and luxury hub. With properties often priced over R15 million, Sandton has seen a notable increase in enquiries, particularly from high-net-worth buyers.

Nelson Ferreira, regional head in Gauteng for Pam Golding Properties, mentions that international buyers, including those from Africa and Europe, are actively investing in the area. This is not just limited to luxury buyers, as the market for properties priced between R11 million and R15 million has also grown.

Sandton’s combination of business opportunities, a vibrant lifestyle, and access to top-tier amenities makes it a prime location for both permanent relocations and short-term investments. Many expats, particularly those on 3-5 year contracts, are looking to secure apartments, often opting for rental properties to build a long-term investment portfolio.

Meanwhile, Bryanston remains a sought-after location for families, professionals, and investors alike. With its proximity to Sandton’s Central Business District (CBD), excellent schools, and access to major highways, Bryanston offers something for everyone, from first-time buyers to high-net-worth individuals.

The variety of residential options in Bryanston spans from affordable sectional title units to sprawling estates worth up to R40 million.

Property Segments and Development Trends

‍Bryanston’s property market is segmented into several key areas, each attracting different types of buyers:

• Development Market: Developers are actively acquiring properties with large land sizes (from 1,900 to 4,200 sqm), driven by the demand for estate-style clusters and sectional title units. The increasing interest in rezoned land has sparked a boom in redevelopment, as developers see strong potential for renovation and resale.
• Full Title Homes: Properties in Bryanston East and West offer significant opportunities for both buyers and developers. Homes in Bryanston West start around R3 million, while Bryanston East sees prices beginning at R5 million. These homes, often set on large stands, offer substantial potential for renovation or new builds.
• Sectional Title Units: These units are particularly attractive to first-time buyers, with prices starting at around R900,000 for studios and rising to R4.7 million for three-bedroom apartments or townhouses. The growth of sectional title developments, especially new builds, adds competitive pressure to the market.
• Cluster and Gated Estates: These secure, low-maintenance homes are in high demand, with prices starting at R3 million and going up to over R20 million. The appeal lies in the lifestyle they offer, including larger stand sizes and excellent security.

Web search growth

‍Bryanston and Sandton continue to be highly desirable real estate hotspots, both for local buyers and international investors. With strong growth in web searches, increasing interest from affluent buyers, and ongoing development in key property segments, these Gauteng suburbs are firmly established as prime locations in South Africa’s property market.

Whether seeking a luxury home, an investment opportunity, or a family-friendly neighbourhood, these areas are poised to remain at the forefront of South Africa's real estate landscape for years to come.

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