After years of coastal semigration, the tide is turning. Gauteng is quietly and confidently staging its comeback. Long recognised as South Africa’s economic powerhouse, the province is once again drawing professionals and businesses back inland.
According to the Wise Move Migration Report 2025, nearly a quarter of movers leaving the Western Cape are returning to Gauteng. The good news for property investors and landlords is that local commercial markets are experiencing an uptick, with strong demand already emerging for premium office rentals in Johannesburg. Here’s an inside look at the factors behind the shift.
The office buzz is back
As companies revise their work-from-home policies, more employees are being asked to return to the office — and back to Gauteng. A 2025 CareerJunction survey found that nearly 60% of South African employers now want more in-office presence, and Discovery Insure’s 2025 Work from Index shows that 60% of its clients are back at their desks five days a week.
Major employers like Vodacom and Nedbank are already leading the way, highlighting the perks of office life: better productivity, easier communication, stronger collaboration, and a sense of company culture.
The province to grow a career
Johannesburg alone houses the headquarters of more than 70% of the country’s companies, giving Gauteng a magnetic pull for semigrants. Recent data from Stats SA’s Quarterly Labour Force Survey (Q2 2025) highlights the province’s robust employment growth, adding 95,000 new jobs, the largest increase in the country.
Emerging industries, particularly artificial intelligence, are also strengthening Gauteng’s appeal. Of AI-related jobs advertised on Pnet, 58% are based in the province. Beyond the number of opportunities, the province offers some of the highest salaries in South Africa and networking opportunities, making it an attractive destination for professionals to return to.
The upside of lower living costs
Many who move to the Western Cape are also quickly realising their rands don’t stretch as far as they hoped. High municipal rates, expensive dining, and long commutes can put a real squeeze on household budgets.
By comparison, Gauteng offers far greater affordability. oobarometer data (Q2 2025) finds that negative house price inflation in the region has made property more accessible, with first-time homebuyers accounting for over half (52.5%) of all purchases. Rentals are also more budget-friendly: according to PayProp’s Rental Index (Q2 2025), the average monthly rent in Gauteng is R9,238, compared with R11,454 in the Western Cape.
The framework that makes Gauteng work
There’s no denying that Gauteng has faced its share of challenges, from water shortages to lapses in service delivery. Yet, it continues to stand apart for its robust infrastructure and forward momentum. The province’s well-developed transport networks, reliable healthcare facilities, and growing digital backbone continue to win back semigrants in search of an appealing base to live and work.
As South Africa’s economic engine, Gauteng still attracts large-scale investment and gets transformative projects off the ground. Notable recent examples include the province receiving R1.5 billion for digital infrastructure upgrades, the Modderfontein Road expansion easing congestion in Edenvale, the planning of a $2.9 billion Port of Gauteng development, and Johannesburg’s R550 million international grant for a waste-to-energy project.
The place business calls home
The province’s strong commercial reputation keeps it at the top of professionals’ minds. This year, Johannesburg earned runner-up status as Africa’s best city brand in the inaugural Brand Finance City Index. The city, alongside Durban, will host Africa’s Travel Indaba for the next five years, and has been selected as the launch site for Google South Africa’s R2.5 billion Google Cloud investment.
The province’s economic clout and ongoing projects have also made Johannesburg a focal point in the lead-up to the 2026 municipal elections, sparking a heated mayoral race and ambitious plans to rejuvenate the city. This drive is undoubtedly appealing to those moving back to Gauteng in the hopes of a better future.
The hunt for commercial properties is on
With these factors at play, demand for well-located commercial property in Gauteng is on the rise. Many commercial properties now feature backup power, reliable water systems, and enhanced security, addressing previous infrastructure concerns and giving businesses peace of mind.
The rise of city improvement districts is also improving the business environment, making operations in key districts smoother and more attractive for tenants and investors alike. Appetite remains strong for commercial properties with long-term leases in high-demand urban locations, as both local and international investors seek stable, profitable opportunities.
For those looking to buy, sell, rent, or let commercial property, Newpoint Property Group offers expert guidance. With a presence in prime Gauteng areas, including Johannesburg, Midrand, Sandton, Boksburg, and Kempton Park, we help clients meet their business goals.
