Billions of dollars are being spent on new housing developments in Johannesburg as the city seeks to address a shortage of affordable housing units.
Johannesburg remains the country’s largest and wealthiest city, despite serious problems including poor governance and major infrastructure failures.
Most of South Africa’s biggest companies are headquartered in Johannesburg, which is considered the country’s financial powerhouse.
Thanks to its financial strength, the city attracts an influx of workers from other states and neighboring countries.
The city is facing a housing shortage for thousands of people, forcing many people to live on the streets.
Therefore, several developments in the country are planned to address the lack of affordable housing in the country, which will also provide access to basic services.
The city’s development pipeline includes public and private investments, including:
Southern Farms Bankenfeld District City Riverside View
Southern Farms and Riverside View are public sector led, while Bankenveld District City is a joint venture between JSE-listed Calgro M3 and Ellis Property Group.
The development will add thousands of affordable homes to address the housing shortage in some of the city’s most populous areas.
southern farms
Breaking ground in May 2025, construction began on the R27-billion Southern Farms development, with phase one installing bulk and link infrastructure.
The project will deliver an estimated 43,000 housing units, including several ancillary land uses such as retail, commercial, industrial, parks and social facilities.
The development will encompass several different precincts across areas such as Dipkloof, Freedom Park, Eldorado Park and Naturena.
The development will include seven local neighborhood parks with play facilities, six multi-purpose sports courts, a local library and two Home Affairs offices.
It will also provide critical infrastructure for clinics, schools, taxi ranks, roads and connected communities.
Johannesburg Mayor Dada Morello previously said the project would address economic issues and challenges and be a source of pride for the city.
MMC Economic Development Officer Nomoya Mnisi urged local residents to take advantage of employment and business opportunities during and after construction.
However, potential residents are being warned of strict compliance protocols that mean no one can receive a home unless they are registered in a verified housing database.
Despite billions of dollars in development funding, the city still urged communities to protect themselves from land trespass and illegal activity.
Bankenveld district city
In the private sector, JSE-listed Calgro M3 has started work on the R18-billion Bankenveld District City.
The development will add 20,000 homes between Sandton and the Midlands. The development is accessible from the M1 and N3 motorways and Marlborough Gautrain station.
In addition to affordable housing units, the development will offer retail, lifestyle, and amenities.
Calgro M3 will offer residential units, while Eris will focus on industrial and commercial development.
Calgro M3 said in its latest financial report that it is negotiating with the public sector to finalize the city’s infrastructure agreement.
These consultations and agreements with the public sector will enable the Group to respond to the lower LSM (Living Standard Standard) housing market once the development is complete.
Riverside view
The Southern Farms and Bankenfeld District City developments are in the very early stages of development, while the Fourways Riverside View social housing development is nearing completion.
The first three phases of the development have already begun, with city officials breaking ground on the fourth phase in July of this year.
Phases 1 and 2 were completed in September 2023, and phase 3, which began in 2024, added just under 200 vehicles.
The fourth phase of the development will add approximately 750 homes and will be funded with R53 million from the City and R291 million from the Social Housing Regulatory Authority’s Consolidated Capital Grant.
Developer Valumax said the development will offer a mix of affordable and middle-income housing.
The development is located just north of Steyn City, a popular property for the wealthy, and will offer nearly 11,000 homes once completed.
Riverside View also has an elementary and middle school, community facilities, retail center, gas station, and community park.
