Looking to find the best office space in Johannesburg that suits your business needs and personal preferences?
Finding the right location can significantly impact your company's success. Luckily, Johannesburg offers a variety of options, each with its unique charm and advantages. Allowing you to find the perfect location that caters to both your needs and those of your customers.
According to Statistics South Africa, "Gauteng accounted for 33.2% of South Africa’s GDP in 2023, making it the country’s biggest provincial economy.”
In this guide, we'll explore the four best places to rent office space in the beautiful city of gold, providing you with valuable insights to help you make an informed decision for your business.
Let’s start strong…
Sandton, often referred to as the "richest square mile in Africa," is undoubtedly the business hub of Johannesburg. This affluent area is home to many multinational corporations, financial institutions, and upscale shopping centres.
What that means for you is that when you rent office space in Sandton, you are joining an elite community of professionals and gaining access to world-class resources. Just look at the pros.
Pros of having office space in SandtonPrime Location: Sandton is smack dab in the heart of Jozi, making it easily accessible from all parts of Johannesburg. So both your clients and team will have no trouble making it to your office.
Networking Heaven: Being surrounded by the many, and we mean many, businesses and professionals, means you have ample opportunities to make that million-rand connection.
Office Choices: Sandton offers a wide range of office spaces, from luxurious corporate suites to contemporary co-working spaces. Regardless of the size of your operations, there’s a space for you and your business.
An Easy Commute: With transport links like the Gautrain station and its bus route makes getting to Sandton a walk in the park.
But of course, there are some cons...
Traffic and congestion: Sandton is the place to be, and that means a lot of other businesses are there too, making traffic an absolute nightmare - especially during peak hours.
Pricey everything: From rental prices to amenities, be prepared to pay a pretty penny. You have to really consider if the steep prices are worth it for your business.
If those cons are dealbreakers for you, maybe you’d prefer the next area…
Located perfectly between Johannesburg and Pretoria, Midrand is the ideal place for those looking for the best of two worlds - in more than one way. It is both an industrial and business hub, making it an attractive option for businesses of various sizes. Beyond that, Midrand offers a unique balance of urban convenience and natural surroundings as it is a former agricultural area.
Strategic Sweet Spot: With it being the middle ground of the two major cities, Midrand gives your business easy access to both.
Smooth Infrastructure: Midrand’s well-developed infrastructure, such as the Gautrain train station and its accessibility to major highways, makes it convenient for most business operations
Competitive rental rates: Compared to other more “premium” areas such as Sandton, Midrand offers more competitive rates. You have a better chance of scoring a good deal here.
Retail Therapy Galore: Midrand has no shortage of shopping centres and restaurants. It is even home to the biggest shopping mall on the African continent,the Mall of Africa.
Peak Hour Pain: Those major highways can get pretty jam-packed during peak hours, making for some less-than-pleasant commutes.
Urban Mashup: The rapid development has led to a mix of residential, industrial, and commercial properties, which creates an environment that may not properly suit your business needs.
Sandton and Midrand are pretty similar, with a few noticeable differences. You might be looking for something a little less serious, and this next area might just be what you’re looking for…
For a more eclectic and artistic atmosphere, Melville is the place to be. A vibrant suburb known for its bohemian vibe, quirky cafes, and trendy boutiques, Melville offers a unique blend of old-world charm and modern creativity. Situated near the bustling city centre, this neighbourhood attracts a diverse community of entrepreneurs, freelancers, and artists, making it an excellent choice for creative businesses and startups.
Cultural and Creative Hub: Melville is like a melting pot of cultures, art, and music. You can guarantee that your team will never run out of inspiration.
Budget-Friendly Rentals: Compared to Sandton, Melville's rental options won't break the bank, making it a win for budget-conscious businesses.
Chilled-out Lifestyle: As we said, if you’re looking for something less serious, Melville is your oasis. Embrace the laid-back vibes that it promotes, which is perfect for a good work-life balance.
Youth Hub: Melville is close to major universities and educational institutions, giving your business access to a pool of young and promising talent.
Limited Corporate Presence: As great as Melville is for creative businesses, it may not be the ideal location for companies seeking a more corporate and formal setting.
Parking Challenges: Parking can be limited, especially during peak hours and busy weekends.
With all that in mind, you’ve probably made up your mind on the best area for you and your business. But before you do, let’s look at one more area…
Kempton Park offers a strategic location adjacent to O.R. Tambo International Airport. Making it the perfect location for businesses with their sights set on the international scene and of course those who rely heavily on air travel. This suburb offers excellent transport links and a growing commercial landscape.
Airport Access: Kempton Park offers an unmatched proximity to O.R. Tambo International Airport, making it perfect for those international travels and operations.
Easy Commute: With easy access to major highways and the Gautrain, getting in and out of Kempton Park is super convenient.
Affordable Rental Options: Rental prices in Kempton Park are generally more budget-friendly compared to the more prestigious areas like Sandton and Midrand.
Growing Commercial Presence: Kempton Park's commercial landscape is expanding, attracting a variety of businesses to the area. This increases your access to different opportunities for networking and collaboration.
Airport Noise: Being so close to the airport can mean more noise from the aircrafts, which might not be ideal for your business if you prefer a quieter working environment.
Not as Fancy: Kempton Park, being a more industrial area, means the office spaces aren’t always as luxurious and premium as found in other areas.
Now that you have the four best places to rent office space in Johannesburg, each with its unique perks and quirks, you need to think about what your business needs, what kind of vibe you're after, and how much money you're willing to spend. Whatever spot you choose, remember, Johannesburg's dynamic and unique business environment is ready to welcome you with open arms.
Once you’ve decided on the right area for your business, the next step is planning the actual move. Our detailed Office Moving Checklist & Relocation Guide covers everything from budgeting to finding the best office movers in Johannesburg to help you with the move.
Wise Move is South Africa’s leading moving service, helping thousands of customers with home moves, furniture removals, car and motorcycle transport, and more. Since 2017, we’ve been delivering reliable, affordable, and well-reviewed moving services in just a few simple steps. Our focus has always been on making moving as simple and effortless as possible for our customers.
