Central, Comfortable, Classy: Renting an Apartment in Midrand

Midrand is a bustling business hub midway between Pretoria and Johannesburg. It is home to major businesses like Vodacom and Microsoft, as well as many other medium and small enterprises. It has become a modern and fashionable haven for those tired of long-distance commuting and, as such, is a very popular rental area, offering apartments to meet every need.

What to Consider when Renting an Apartment in Midrand?

Location

When it comes to property, you have likely heard the saying "location, location, location" repeatedly. If you live in Gauteng, centrality is a key consideration. Midrand meets the location criteria perfectly, as it is centrally located between Johannesburg (especially Sandton and Randburg), Pretoria, and Centurion. It is also conveniently close to Tembisa and Kempton Park in Ekurhuleni. 

Transportation

Midrand boasts an impressive transport network, featuring a Gautrain station, Gautrain buses, the N1, N3, N14, M1, M39 (Allandale), R55 (Woodmead Drive), New Road, and Olifantsfontein Road. This, along with the proximity to Lanseria, Grand Central, and OR Tambo airports, has enabled corporate parks, logistics warehouses, and wedding and conference centres, like  Gallagher Estate, to thrive. 

Amenities

Midrand has excellent government and private schools. Tertiary institutions include Eduvos, Inscape, Stadio, the Midrand Graduate Institute, Varsity College, and the University of South Africa's (Unisa) Graduate School of Business Leadership. Your health is also well-catered for with the Netcare Waterfall City, Netcare Sunninghill, and Life Carstenhof hospitals on your doorstep, alongside several comprehensive medical and dental centres.

For sporting enthusiasts, the renowned Kyalami Grand Prix Racecourse offers exhilaration and entertainment. SuperSport Park in Centurion and the Wanderers Cricket Stadium are also just a stone’s throw away. There are equestrian facilities to pick and choose from, along with several gyms. The Nizamiye Mosque, the largest mosque in South Africa, and the Russian Orthodox Church are two notable places of worship in Midrand. Moreover, Midrand is home to many churches and other places of worship.

Midrand also has no shortage of shopping malls and centres that cater to your every need, from its signature Mall of Africa, to the trendy Kyalami Corner and ever-popular Carlswald Lifestyle Centre, to name but a few!

Pick the Right Suburb

Before renting an apartment, you need to determine the atmosphere you want.

Noordwyk is a mixed-use suburb featuring residential, commercial, and light industrial areas near the major routes. The suburb is well-established and boasts a variety of rental properties. It is very popular among young professionals and starter families with children.

• Seattle Creek is one of Central Developments’ brand-new, contemporary complexes in Noordwyk.

Barbeque Downs is an affluent area. It features business parks and residential properties, most of which are located in security complexes. Here, the average monthly rental is slightly higher than in Noordwyk. Young professionals and families favour this suburb, which offers convenient access to Sandton and Rivonia. 

• In Barbeque Downs, Central Developments developed the prestigious Cascades Waterfall. 

Other popular areas:

• Kyalami is an upmarket suburb near the Kyalami Grand Prix Racetrack and various equestrian facilities. Properties in Kyalami are typically modern and feature elegant finishes.
• Waterfall Estate offers contemporary houses and apartments with various amenities on your doorstep.
• Carlswald offers a combination of apartments and townhouses located near schools and shopping centres.
• Halfway Gardens and Vorna Valley are centrally located, offering excellent access to public transport, office parks, and shopping centres.

How To Rent a Property in Midrand

Before the Viewing

• Create a budget to ensure your rent stays within your price range throughout your lease period (typically one year). Consider additional expenses, such as utilities and a deposit (generally equivalent to one month’s rent).
• Determine when you need to move in.
• Compile a list of essential features that you require for both the suburb and the apartment.
• Investigate the area and its surrounding suburbs.
• Drive through the suburbs to familiarise yourself with the areas and pinpoint those you feel comfortable in.
• You can now view rental properties on Central Developments’ website.
• Once you have identified properties that interest you and fit within your budget, contact the agents and arrange viewings.

At the Viewing

It is always preferable to view a property in person, although this may not always be practical. When you go for a viewing, consider the following:

• Ensure you arrive on time for the viewing. Agents often have tight schedules, and creating a positive first impression is essential.
• Bring your list of essential features to the viewing.
• Be armed with a fully loaded cell phone battery to take photographs.
• Use a tape measure if you are worried that some of your furniture might not fit.
• Thoroughly examine the property for indications of wear and tear.

After the Viewing

Once you identify a property or properties that interest you, you must apply. Before signing a lease, speak with your agent to discuss the rental terms. Your agent will assist you with the application form, which you can complete online. Certain supporting documents will be required, including:

• A copy of your ID.
• An employment contract, reference, or proof of income.
• Your latest payslip (not more than two months old).
• Three months’ verified bank statements.
• Six months’ bank statements if you are self-employed. 

Your agent will conduct the necessary checks and notify you if your application is successful as soon as it is confirmed. At that point, you will sign the lease agreement.

Moving In 

On the day that you move in, your agent will meet with you to:

• Hand over your unit’s keys.
• Explain the estate rules.
• Conduct a move-in inspection. 
• Show you how to log a maintenance ticket.
• Ensure that you know how to load your debit order.
• Add you to the estate’s security system.

Usually, pre-existing damage will be fixed before you move in, and the unit will have been painted out. If there are any remaining issues after you have moved in, they will be resolved within a few days.

Conclusion

Midrand combines urban amenities with suburban tranquillity, making it the perfect central location for living and playing in Gauteng. Contact one of Central Developments’ helpful agents today to guarantee an exceptional apartment and service!