Orion Apartments

The way South Africans think about renting is changing.

For many tenants, choosing an apartment is no longer simply about finding enough space at the right monthly rental. Location, security, convenience, connectivity and the cost of setting up a new home are increasingly part of the decision.

In 2026, these considerations are helping to drive interest in well-located, furnished apartments that offer residents a simpler way to move into and enjoy their homes.

Renting remains an important part of the South African housing market

Affordability continues to influence housing decisions across South Africa. TPN’s national tenant research found that price, security and space are among the most important considerations for tenants choosing a rental property, while affordability remains a major reason many people continue to rent rather than buy.

At the same time, the supply of residential rental accommodation remains under pressure. TPN expects residential rental escalations of approximately 4.5% to 5.5% during 2026, with Gauteng among the markets expected to continue showing positive rental growth.

This makes value increasingly important.

Rather than looking only at the advertised monthly rental, prospective tenants are considering what they receive as part of the overall living experience.

The true cost of moving goes beyond the monthly rent

Moving into an unfurnished apartment can come with a surprisingly long shopping list.

A bed and mattress, refrigerator, television, microwave, dining furniture, workspace and other household essentials can quickly add to the initial cost of relocating.

For a tenant starting a new job, relocating to another city or simply establishing their own home, these upfront expenses can make moving considerably more complicated.

A furnished apartment changes that equation.

Instead of sourcing, transporting and assembling major household items, residents can move into a space where much of the essential setup has already been taken care of.

It is one of the reasons furnished urban accommodation can appeal to young professionals, people relocating for work and tenants who prefer a simpler, more flexible lifestyle.

Location is becoming part of the apartment itself

Where you live can influence much more than your commute.

Living close to employment areas, retail, essential services and transport can reduce the amount of time and money spent travelling every day.

This is particularly relevant in major economic centres.

Property24 has noted that tenants moving during 2026 are placing greater emphasis on affordability and location as households look for ways to manage their overall monthly expenses.

For modern apartment developments, this means the surrounding environment is almost as important as the apartment itself.

Residents increasingly want to be connected to the places they use regularly rather than living in isolation from them.

Security remains essential

Convenience means very little if residents do not feel comfortable where they live.

Security remains one of the leading considerations for South African tenants, according to TPN’s national tenant research.

Modern residential developments are therefore placing greater emphasis on controlled access, surveillance and on-site security.

Features such as biometric access control, CCTV and 24-hour security can form an important part of the overall residential offering, particularly for professionals who spend long hours away from home or residents living independently.

Smaller apartments can still support modern lifestyles

There has also been a shift in how people think about space.

A successful apartment does not necessarily need to be large. Good design can make a compact apartment highly functional by ensuring that the available space has a clear purpose.

Built-in storage, an appropriate sleeping area, a practical kitchenette and a dedicated workspace can make a studio apartment suitable for both everyday living and working from home when required.

For tenants, the question is increasingly becoming less about “How many square metres am I getting?” and more about “How well does the space work for my lifestyle?”

Orion Apartments: creating convenient urban homes

This approach to contemporary rental living is reflected across the growing Orion Apartments portfolio.

1 on Daphny – Sandton

Located in Wendywood, Sandton, 1 on Daphny offers furnished studio apartments designed around convenient urban living.

Apartments include features such as a king-size bed, kitchenette, built-in cupboards, private bathroom and dedicated work or dining space.

Residents also benefit from biometric access control, CCTV and 24/7 on-site security, helping create a practical residential environment close to one of Johannesburg’s major commercial areas.

Promenade Place – Mbombela

In Mbombela, Promenade Place brings apartment living together with the convenience of an established retail environment.

The development offers furnished studio apartments with access to amenities including Wi-Fi, secure parking and storage, while its location at Promenade Shopping Centre places residents within easy reach of shopping, services and public transport.

Apartments are currently available to rent from R5,999 per month.

Convenience is becoming a form of value

The rental market will continue to evolve as tenants balance affordability with quality of life.

For some residents, value will mean a lower monthly rental. For others, it will mean paying for a home that reduces the additional expenses, travel and effort associated with everyday living.

Furnished apartments in established urban locations can help bridge those priorities.

A home that is ready to occupy, securely managed and connected to everyday amenities offers something increasingly valuable in a busy world: simplicity.

At Orion Apartments, the focus is on creating practical, comfortable homes that support the way people live today.

Whether you’re looking for a furnished apartment in Sandton or a convenient home in the heart of Mbombela, explore the Orion Apartments portfolio and find a space designed for modern living.

Find your next home with Orion Apartments.