Youngsters opt for the bright lights of cities

WHEN the Covid-19 pandemic first hit, the CBDs of the country’s major metros – Durban, Johannesburg and Cape Town – became near ghost towns as office workers were forced to work from home.

Two years later, some professionals have chosen to take advantage of flexible work-from-home policies and flee the city for smaller towns, often in search of a more relaxed lifestyle for their families.

However, an unusual demographic has moved in to take their place and revitalise the CBD – Millennials and Gen Zs aged between 20 and 35.

“This age group typically has more disposable income, and therefore greater spending power, and they are choosing to inject that cash into the inner city,” says Justine Adriaanzen, commercial real estate consultant for Galetti Corporate Real Estate.

Explaining that this renewed interest in the country’s major CBDs from a younger demographic will have a positive knock-on effect on the economy and property market at large, she says property developers are capitalising on this new market by converting old and/ or abandoned buildings into trendy mixed-use developments.

“More local businesses, such as clothing boutiques, homeware stores, artisanal retailers, upmarket bars and restaurants, are now opening to cater to these residents and office tenants.

“Renewed investment and activity have also motivated city officials to ramp up crime prevention to revitalise key CBDs.”

Much of what makes the CBD attractive to the younger demographic is the fast-paced and creative lifestyle it offers.

“Savvy property developers are noticing the demand and are fulfilling this age group’s desire to move to the CBD.”

Adriaanzen shares the key factors influencing youngsters’ choice to move to the inner-city:

Proximity to offices: While many South Africans are working from home, the easing threat of Covid-19 has seen many offices reopening and young employees are looking to be close to work and avoid long commutes.

Public transport: With parking at a premium in the city, and the petrol price increasing, many are choosing to ditch their cars and take advantage of bus routes and trains to get around. Developments near MyCiTi bus stops in Cape Town and the Gautrain Park Station in Johannesburg’s CBD stand to benefit.

Trendy restaurants and bars: Young people are looking to be close to the action of the city and to patronise popular restaurants and coffee shops.

On-site lifestyle amenities: Millennials and Gen Zs prioritise convenience and lifestyle in their living space and developments with gyms, co-working facilities and even retail stores on site are in high demand.

Modern design: Fast wi-fi, city views, smart TVs and sleek finishes in apartments have proved to be popular with this age group and they are even choosing these features over greater square footage in their homes.

Noise prevention: An inevitable feature of inner-city living is street noise, so developers are encouraged to use noise-blocking features such as double-glazed windows in their units.

Another huge consideration in these areas is security, Adriaanzen says.

“Safety and 24-hour security guards, biometric access and CCTV cameras are security measures that most Millennials will be unwilling to compromise on.”

UNDER-35s are seeking to move back to the major city centres and developers are jumping at the chance to give them the new property developments they desire.