Sandton continues to stand tall as Africa’s business epicentre – shimmering glass towers, global headquarters, high-end malls, and some of the continent’s most exclusive addresses.

• Sandton’s skyline is rising again, with major developments like Olympus signalling renewed investor confidence and demand.
• Mixed-use precincts are reshaping the city, blending lifestyle, work, and retail into walkable, globally inspired spaces.
• Yet, post-pandemic shifts in the South African property market have left even this powerhouse grappling with change.
• Visit www.sandtontimes.co.za for more stories.

Still, the story is far from over. As The Sandton Times Hour (the weekly Sandton Times radio show and podcast) discovered in conversation with seasoned property broker Ash Müller of Ask Ash, there’s a quiet but persistent resurgence underway, with game-changing developments, evolving consumer preferences, and a pivot toward walkable, integrated urban living. Ash, whose near-decade career across office, retail, and industrial property brokering has earned her a reputation as the industry’s ‘property stock queen’ is cautiously optimistic.

Yes, we’ve seen a slump, no doubt. There are very small, very slow-growing green shoots of recovery in parts of Sandton. It’s still the financial hub of Africa, and that matters.

// Ask Ash Property Broker, Ash Müller

Ash’s faith isn’t misplaced. Sandton remains home to the Johannesburg Stock Exchange, major banks, and blue-chip companies – ecosystems that demand infrastructure, talent, and, importantly, real estate. If there’s one project reigniting excitement in the Sandton property market, it’s Olympus – a mammoth R2-billion mixed-use development, jointly led by Tricolt and Growthpoint Properties. Launched in February 2025, this high-rise marvel introduces 510 residential units, with retail and lifestyle offerings layered into the base of the towers.

The last time Sandton saw a development of this scale was years ago. And the response has been mind-blowing. Within weeks, over R1.3 billion in sales was achieved.

// Ask Ash Property Broker, Ash Müller

The Olympus penthouses, some with price tags north of R100-million, are reshaping perceptions of what’s possible in Johannesburg’s real estate.

These kinds of success stories are usually reserved for Cape Town. But this shows that the Jo’burg market – especially Sandton – is waking up.

// Ask Ash Property Broker, Ash Müller

Still, not every shiny render makes it to reality. Other Sandton projects – once touted as the next big thing – have either stalled or vanished into development limbo.

You don’t have to be in property to become a developer. Some projects fail because the backers don’t understand the buyer, the market timing is off, or the buzz just never catches on.

// Ask Ash Property Broker, Ash Müller

With property marketing as much an art as architecture, Ash emphasises the importance of a powerful launch.

You’ve got a two-to-six-month window to make a splash. Miss that, and the whole project risks flat-lining.

// Ask Ash Property Broker, Ash Müller

Where Sandton is seeing consistent momentum is in mixed-use developments – the ‘holy grail’ of modern urban design. These are not just buildings, but mini-cities designed to host your workday, your gym session, your dinner date, and your home – all within a secure, stylish, and walkable precinct.

And with Sandton’s history of mega malls, the concept fits. The challenge is to evolve from isolated destinations to connected communities, where pedestrians rule and lifestyle is seamless. It’s not just locals taking notice. There’s been a noticeable uptick in interest from international investors – especially from elsewhere on the African continent.

Sandton offers what many other African cities don’t: financial infrastructure, good schools, great restaurants, and entrepreneurial opportunity. We’re seeing buyers from Nigeria, Kenya, Ghana—they see Sandton as a gateway to the continent and a lifestyle base.

// Ask Ash Property Broker, Ash Müller

Most might be looking for investment-grade properties, often for rental yield through platforms like Airbnb or long-term corporate lets.

The rental market is hot right now. With the cost of owning rising globally, more people are choosing to rent – and investors are seeing value in that.

// Ask Ash Property Broker, Ash Müller

Ultimately, the property story in Sandton isn’t just about concrete, glass, and Rands per square metre. It’s about lifestyle.

People want convenience. They want style. They want to feel secure and connected. That’s what’s driving interest in these developments. Sandton still has the DNA to support that – now it’s about evolving how we use it. From fine dining to international schooling, there’s a cosmopolitan life to be had here—and developers who recognise that are the ones succeeding.

// Ask Ash Property Broker, Ash Müller

While challenges remain – load shedding, fluctuating investor confidence, and shifting migration patterns – Ash Müller is confident that Sandton’s best days are not behind it.

There’s a bit of a comeback happening. It’s subtle. But it’s there. Developers are adapting. Buyers are still watching. And projects like Olympus prove that, when done right, Sandton can still move the needle.

// Ask Ash Property Broker, Ash Müller

In a property market that’s learned to brace for the unexpected, Sandton’s story is evolving – but it’s far from over. For more information, visit the Ask Ash website.

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