How much rent is too much? The 30% rule in practice

In Johannesburg, the average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Sandton is now over ZAR 18,000 per month, sparking concerns that many renters are paying too much for their homes.

This matters now because the city's renters are facing intense pressure on their finances, with many struggling to make ends meet as prices rise and wages stagnate. The 30% rule, which suggests that renters should not spend more than 30% of their income on rent, is a widely accepted benchmark for affordability, but in practice, it can be difficult to stick to. With the average salary in Johannesburg around ZAR 40,000 per month, many renters are finding it impossible to find affordable options in desirable areas like Melville, Parkhurst, and Greenside.

In areas like Fourways and Midrand, which have seen significant growth in recent years, renters are facing stiff competition for limited properties, driving up prices and making it even harder to find affordable options. Organisations like the Johannesburg Housing Company and the City of Johannesburg's Housing Department are working to address the issue, but progress is slow. Meanwhile, popular venues like the Neighbourgoods Market in Braamfontein and the Rosebank Mall are thriving, but the surrounding neighbourhoods are becoming increasingly unaffordable for many renters.

Affordability in numbers

According to data from property experts, the average rent for a two-bedroom apartment in Johannesburg is now around ZAR 22,000 per month, up from ZAR 18,000 just two years ago. In areas like Sandton, the average rent is even higher, at over ZAR 30,000 per month for a three-bedroom apartment. With sectional title properties becoming increasingly popular with investors, many renters are finding themselves priced out of the market. As of June 2026, the average price of a sectional title property in Johannesburg was ZAR 1.2 million, up from ZAR 900,000 in 2024.

So what happens next? For renters, the key is to be realistic about what they can afford and to prioritize their finances accordingly. This may mean considering areas outside of the city centre, like Soweto or the East Rand, where prices are lower and affordability is higher. It may also mean exploring alternative options, like shared accommodation or community land trusts. For policymakers, the challenge is to address the underlying issues driving unaffordability, from stagnant wages to limited housing supply. By working together, it may be possible to create a more affordable and sustainable housing market in Johannesburg, where renters can thrive without breaking the bank.