Area Guide: Braamfontein
This bustling suburb is attracting students and young professionals who are drawn to the lifestyle and selection of property. Old apartment blocks and office buildings in Braamfontein have been given a new lease on life and that has attracted a slew of students and young professionals.
If you are looking to get into the property market, buying a property for sale in Braamfontein might just tick all of your boxes. Described by locals as a vibrant commercial business district made up of office blocks, residential apartments, hip and happening restaurants, retail stores, colleges, theatres and of course hotels for visitors.
Alexander List has lived in Braamfontein for three years, and he said: “Braamfontein is not a Disneyland version of ‘city rejuvenation’, or hideous new glass buildings walled off from the street. It’s a living, breathing part of a true city, with everyone and everything from cafes to office buildings, student bars to museums and a campus. What I like most about Braamfontein is the bustle of people, the activity on the streets, and the mix of new offices and old residents. There’s such a diverse cultural mix.”
Braamfontein used to be a run down part of the city, but thanks to the influx of young money, entrepreneurs, and also residents, the neighbourhood has been uplifted and is now one of the neighbourhoods in Johannesburg for those looking for something new, cool and on trend.
Through the City Improvement District managed by the Braamfontein Management District, the area provides security and maintenance through uniformed security guards, parking attendants, CCTV cameras and extensive greening initiatives.
Must-see spots include the Nelson Mandela Bridge, the Constitution Hill complex, the Wits Planetarium and many contemporary creative spaces, such as 70 Juta, which is home to avant-garde interior design, art, fashion and film studios.
One of the most popular developments in Braamfontein is 44 Stanley, a well established development that mixes downtown urbanism with subtle sophistication. Consisting of curated bespoke fashion, lifestyle, restaurants, art and design shops. Shady arcades and green courtyards between what was once a series of industrial 1930s buildings make this a unique Johannesburg space.
