Maboneng in Johannesburg is an urban renewal project located on the eastern side of Johannesburg’s central business district. With artist studios, galleries, offices, and restaurants, setting the tone for the entire Maboneng precinct, it is definitely a place worth a visit.
Who created Maboneng?
In 2008, Jonathan Liebmann, founder of Propertuity Development company, saw potential in the neglected industrial area and aimed to create a space fostering creativity, culture, and community. Propertuity’s first project, Arts on Main, opened in 2009. This mixed-use development. Over the next decade, Propertuity continued developing Maboneng, converting old warehouses and factories into residential lofts, offices, retail spaces, and cultural venues. The precinct grew to encompass about 1 square kilometre of urban space, symbolising inner-city rejuvenation in Johannesburg.
Maboneng today
Despite its initial success, Propertuity faced financial difficulties and went into liquidation in 2018. However, this setback didn’t spell the end for Maboneng. Today, it remains a bustling urban district known for its vibrant street art, trendy cafes, and eclectic mix of shops and galleries. It has become a symbol of Johannesburg’s revival, attracting artists, entrepreneurs, and global visitors.
While some challenges persist, such as concerns about gentrification and economic fluctuations, the precinct continues to evolve as a dynamic urban space. Other developers and businesses have continued to invest in the area, contributing to the culture and local economy.
Property in Maboneng
Propertuity did a great job restoring and revitalising many old residential and commercial buildings. Not all the properties in Maboneng have been redesigned and revitalised by Propertuity at the time. Therefore, properties for sale in Maboneng vary greatly, depending on the block – both the sectional title scheme and the location. As of July 2024, properties vary between R 300 000 to R 6.4 million (and sometimes more!) – depending on what you want to buy.
Is Maboneng a good investment?
As with all things, it depends. You need to buy a good deal to ensure rental property profitability in the long run. A good rental property investment has low expenses (levies, rates/taxes) and a good rental income. I like the 1% rental factor rule for my cash flow properties: a R 400 000 property should have R 4 000 per month cash flow after rates/taxes and levies.
Rental income varies greatly – Anything from R 3 500 to R 9 000 per month for a 1 bedroom unit. The below property has a low levy of under R 800, but am aware of 1-bedroom units that have levies as high as R 3 500 per month!
As with all investments – you need to have done enough research to justify the investment amount!
Top 8 Things to Do in Maboneng
Maboneng has a vibrant culture with many things to do. Here are the top 10:
- Arts on Main
- Take a street art tour
- Watch a film at the Bioscope
- Dine at Mama Mexicana
- Sundowners at The Living Room
- Museum of African Design (MOAD)
- Stay at the 12 Decades Art Hotel
- Do a cycling tour
Visit Arts on Main:
Location:264 Fox St, Maboneng, City Centre
Explore Arts on Main, a vibrant hub showcasing contemporary South African art through galleries, studios, and creative spaces. Discover the David Krut Workshop’s printmaking magic and visit Danger, Gevaar, Ingozi, dedicated to advancing printmaking in South Africa. This unique space is a must-visit for anyone seeking inspiration and a connection to Johannesburg’s artistic pulse.
Take a Street Art Tour:
Location: 264 Fox St, City and Suburban, Johannesburg ,City Centre
MainStreetWalks, founded by Bheki Dube in Johannesburg’s Maboneng district, offers immersive tours that reveal the city’s diverse character.
From the Inner City Urban Hiking Tour, which explores historic sites and cultural hotspots, to specialized walks showcasing Maboneng’s street art, these experiences encourage both visitors and locals to rediscover Johannesburg on foot or via public transport. Highlights include visits to Gandhi Square, Constitution Hill, the Ethiopian Quarter, and the intriguing Kwa Mai Mai traditional healers market. With options like cycling tours and the Sunday “Picnic in the Sky,” MainStreetWalks provides a fresh, authentic perspective on the city’s vibrant urban landscape, appealing to those interested in history, culture, and Johannesburg’s dynamic spirit.
Watch a film at The Bioscope:
Location: 44 Stanley Ave, Milpark, Johannesburg
The Bioscope: A 12-year-old indie cinema gem in Johannesburg, now located at 44 Stanley. This intimate 47-seat theatre offers a diverse array of experiences beyond traditional film screenings. Visitors can enjoy local and international movies, stand-up comedy, live music, and improv performances. The venue is known for unique events like DumplingBox, Ugly Cry Night, and Sing-Alongs. With its welcoming atmosphere, cinema snacks, and access to a lush courtyard, The Bioscope aims to bring fresh perspectives to South African screens, attracting film enthusiasts and curious urban adventurers from across the city.
Dine at Mama Mexicana:
Location: 264 Fox St (Arts on Main), Maboneng, City Centre
The décor channels a chic, minimalist Mexicana vibe, featuring an Andy Warhol-inspired print of Mama. The food, however, bursts with vibrant flavors. Indulge in perfect nachos, burritos, quesadillas, chimichangas, and enchiladas, all complemented by a local twist on Mexican beer. While service can fluctuate with the crowd, the prices are reasonable, and you can request your dishes as spicy as you like.
Relax at The Living Room:
Location: 20 Kruger St, Maboneng , Maboneng
The Living Room, perched on the sixth floor of the MainStreetLife building on Fox Street, offers a unique rooftop experience in Johannesburg. This urban oasis combines stunning city views with a lush, eco-friendly atmosphere. Visitors can enjoy an organic menu in a serene setting surrounded by exotic plants. The venue truly comes alive on Saturday afternoons during its popular “Saturdays in the Living Room” event, featuring hot DJ sets and a vibrant atmosphere as the sun sets over the city skyline. It’s a perfect blend of relaxation and energy, providing a distinctive vantage point to take in Johannesburg’s urban landscape.
Visit the Museum of African Design (MOAD):
Location: 281 Commissioner St, Maboneng, City Centre, Maboneng
The Museum of African Design (MOAD), located in Johannesburg’s Maboneng Precinct, is the first museum on the continent dedicated to design. Opened in 2013 in a renovated automotive workshop, MOAD functions as a cultural hub rather than a traditional collecting institution.MOAD’s mission embraces a pan-African perspective, recognizing that African design transcends geographical, racial, and aesthetic boundaries. The museum hosts exhibitions, educational programs, and collaborations with international partners, showcasing various forms of creative expression from contemporary art to product design.
Serving as a platform for dialogue about African design past, present, and future – MOAD aims to highlight the importance of design thinking for the continent’s development. The museum strives to make discussions about design accessible to a wide audience while supporting scholarship in the field, offering visitors a unique insight into Africa’s dynamic creative landscape.
Stay at 12 Decades Art Hotel
The 12 Decades Johannesburg Art Hotel offers a unique blend of hospitality and design in the heart of Maboneng Precinct. Each of its twelve rooms represents a decade of Johannesburg’s history from 1886 to 2006, creatively designed by local artists and designers. The rooms showcase various aspects of the city’s past, from its gold rush origins to post-apartheid development, while maintaining modern hotel functionality. This innovative concept provides guests with an immersive experience of Johannesburg’s rich history and vibrant design scene, all within the context of the city’s urban renewal efforts.
Join a cycling tour:
Experience Johannesburg like never before on the exhilarating East City Cycle Tour.Pedal through the pulsing heart of Maboneng, where every street corner tells a story. Immerse yourself in a kaleidoscope of urban creativity as you glide past:
• Jeppestown’s edgy art scene
• Maboneng Precinct’s trendsetting hotspots
• Doornfontein’s hidden historical gems
• Victoria Yards’ innovative creative spaces
• Troyeville’s vibrant, colorful streets
This isn’t just a bike ride—it’s a journey through Joburg’s soul. Feast your eyes on mesmerizing street art, breathe in the city’s energy, and uncover architectural wonders at every turn.Don’t worry about gear; City Cycle Tour has you covered with bikes and helmets. Just bring your sense of adventure (and your phone for those Instagram-worthy shots)!
No need to be a cycling pro—just bring your enthusiasm and basic riding skills. Slip into comfortable clothes, and get ready to see the city from a thrilling new perspective.
Conclusion
Maboneng isn’t what it was with Propertuity in place – however, it is growing into something awesome. I watch with anticipation how companies are entering the property space in Maboneng. It’s still a vibrant place and has a lot to offer – from property investment, food, and entertainment to an amazing, trendy urban living experience.
Happy investing!
