There is a dire shortage of accommodation in Johannesburg for those looking for rentals between R2 000 and R3 000 per month. An innovative residential property business has developed a new concept in the Johannesburg housing market to meet this need providing 'estate living' for the lower LSMs. Live Easy has pioneered the concept of a nano unit for rent with a lifestyle element that has never been available in the affordable market.
A nano unit is 15m2 and includes a fully self contained en suite bathroom and kitchenette. All developments include spacious common areas - a lounge area and a café that encourage community interaction, indoor and outdoor playground areas, free wi-fi and Dstv access, braai areas, a supermarket, cafe, gym and a crèche, hot desk office space, 24 hour bio metric and CCTV security, parking bays and each unit has a pre-paid electricity meter and readable water meters.
Units are predominantly studios to suit lifestyle and affordability and are priced between R1 950 to R3 750 per month.
Explains Jeffrey Froom, co-founder of Live Easy, "Urban dwellers from all over Johannesburg struggle to find places to live that are clean, safe and affordable. They are earning entry to mid level salaries but land up living in unsavoury and overcrowded conditions, sharing rooms separated only by curtains and where multiple tenants share one bathroom. Live Easy is a great opportunity for those who want a chance to move in and move up."
Live Easy's flagship development is situated in Kew, near Alexandra, Sandton. This converted warehouse launched in September 2016 and the first phase of 136 units was pre-let a month before the opening date. Phase two is currently under development and comprises a further 123 nano units. The full development, once complete, will feature 500 units with additional lifestyle facilities.
Live Easy has a pipeline of developments valued at R320 million which will provide almost 2000 units. Properties consist of a combination of converted warehouses, offices and residential properties in Kew, Balfour Park, Highlands North, New Doornfontein, Greswold and Bramley.
