Central Park City

Gauteng is South Africa’s is home to more than a quarter of the country’s population.

With housing demand consistently outpacing supply, particularly among first-time buyers, the launch of Central Park City in Johannesburg’s Newlands/Sophiatown area marks a significant milestone for urban living.

Developed by Urban Dev Property Development, the project will deliver more than 3,450 apartments starting from R595,000. Designed as a self-contained residential mixed-use development, it combines affordability, lifestyle, and sustainability in a way that reflects where Gauteng’s property market is heading.

Central Park City offers fibre-ready one-, two-, and three-bedroom units within modern multi-storey blocks. But the focus extends well beyond housing. Amenities include biometric security, landscaped parks, clubhouses, sports courts, playgrounds, and braai areas — features that mirror the appeal of lifestyle estates at far higher price points.

For families, the development includes an on-site crèche and aftercare centre, while proximity to UJ and Wits makes it attractive to students and young professionals. A retail hub anchored by Pick n Pay and Clicks, together with laundromats, outdoor gyms, skateboard rinks, five-a-side soccer, and Pickleball courts, reflects the shift toward integrated, experience-driven communities.

With solar PV, battery storage, and gas-powered geysers and stoves, residents will be able to manage load shedding up to Stage 4. The development has also achieved Edge Certification for energy and water efficiency, unlocking access to green home loans and lowering long-term running costs.

Financing and Incentives

Affordability is underpinned by subsidies through the First Home Finance scheme for qualifying buyers, favourable mortgage arrangements, and early-buyer discounts — ensuring a lower barrier to entry.

Market Context

Central Park City launches at a time when Gauteng’s property market is regaining momentum. Recent interest rate cuts have improved affordability, while ongoing urbanisation continues to drive strong demand for rentals. For buyers, it offers a rare opportunity to own in a secure, lifestyle-focused community; for investors, it provides access to one of the country’s most resilient rental markets.

This development reflects how urban housing in Gauteng is evolving — dense yet liveable, affordable yet aspirational, and sustainable by design. Central Park City sets a benchmark for what entry-level housing can include. The next step is the improve the architectural designs, introducing new construction materials,– affordable housing can be both practical and well-designed at the same time, creating a dynamic urban centres.