Waverley is a well-established commercial and residential suburb in northern Johannesburg, positioned just east of Melrose Arch and south of Highlands North. Originally developed as a leafy residential node, Waverley has gradually evolved into a mixed-use business precinct, attracting professional firms, medical practices, consultancies, and boutique corporate offices.
From our on-the-ground experience at ANVIL Property Smith, Waverley appeals to business owners who want a professional address without the congestion or premium pricing of Sandton CBD. The area retains its suburban character while offering modern office developments, converted residential offices, and secure business parks. This balance has made Waverley increasingly popular with companies seeking office space to let in Waverley that offers accessibility and a calm working environment.
Business Landscape
Waverley supports a diverse business ecosystem, including:
- Legal and financial services firms
- Medical specialists and wellness practices
- Marketing agencies and creative studios
- Engineering consultancies
- IT and software companies
- Property management and professional services
Notable occupiers include private medical practices, accounting firms, recruitment agencies, and niche professional consultancies. The area suits owner-managed businesses and SMEs that value visibility, client accessibility, and a more personal working environment.
From our leasing experience, demand for commercial space to let in Waverley remains consistent, particularly for smaller to mid-sized offices between 80m² and 500m². Businesses appreciate the flexible layouts and competitive rentals compared to Rosebank or Sandton.
Location and Accessibility
Waverley is strategically positioned with excellent access to major transport routes:
- N1 Highway via Corlett Drive and Glenhove Road
- M1 Highway linking Johannesburg CBD to Sandton
- Louis Botha Avenue for north-south connectivity
- R55 and R25 for access to the eastern suburbs
The suburb is:
- 10 minutes from Rosebank
- 15 minutes from Sandton CBD
- 20 minutes from OR Tambo International Airport
Public transport options include taxis along Louis Botha Avenue and nearby Gautrain bus routes from Rosebank and Sandton stations. This accessibility makes Waverley ideal for businesses with staff and clients commuting from across Johannesburg.
Lifestyle and Workforce Amenities
Waverley offers excellent lifestyle infrastructure for employees and visiting clients, including:
- Highlands North Shopping Centre
- BluBird Shopping Centre
- Melrose Arch Precinct
- Rosebank Mall and The Zone
- Nearby gyms, cafés, and lunch spots
Popular food and networking hubs include:
- Melrose Arch restaurants
- Coffee shops along Corlett Drive
- Rosebank business lounges
- Local eateries and takeaways
Staff benefit from proximity to residential suburbs such as Highlands North, Houghton, and Oaklands, reducing commute times. This contributes to better staff retention and work-life balance, a key consideration for modern employers.
Infrastructure and Amenities
Waverley offers reliable business infrastructure, including:
- Stable municipal power supply
- Fibre connectivity from multiple providers
- Secure business parks with access control
- Ample parking in most office buildings
- Well-maintained road networks
Most commercial space in Waverley feature:
- Backup generators or inverter systems
- Modern air-conditioning
- Boardroom facilities
- On-site security
- Visitor parking
While Waverley is not a logistics or industrial node, it supports professional service businesses that require dependable connectivity and secure premises.
Commercial Property Trends
Current market trends in Waverley indicate:
- Average office rentals range between R95/m² and R140/m² depending on grade and location
- High demand for units under 300m²
- Low vacancy in secure business parks
- Increasing interest from medical and tech sectors
From our recent transactions, businesses are prioritising:
- Flexible lease terms
- Backup power
- Fibre connectivity
- Secure parking
The market remains landlord-friendly, with quality office space to let in Waverley being absorbed quickly when priced correctly.
Zoning and Development
Waverley is primarily zoned for Business, supporting:
- Office use
- Medical practices
- Consulting firms
- Limited retail
- Professional services
Recent development trends include:
- Conversion of older residential properties into office use
- Refurbishment of outdated office blocks
- Small-scale mixed-use developments
Municipal planning supports controlled commercial growth, preserving the suburb’s character while allowing business expansion. This stability appeals to long-term investors and owner-occupiers.
Advantages of Operating in Waverley
Key benefits include:
-
Strategic Location
Close to Rosebank and Sandton without premium rental costs.
-
Professional Environment
Ideal for client-facing businesses.
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Strong Accessibility
Easy access to major highways and public transport.
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Competitive Rentals
Better value than surrounding prime nodes.
-
Quality Lifestyle Offering
Nearby retail, dining, and fitness facilities.
Challenges and Considerations
While Waverley offers many advantages, business owners should consider:
- Limited large floor plates for corporate headquarters
- No industrial or warehousing facilities
- Peak traffic congestion on Louis Botha Avenue
- Limited signage opportunities in certain precincts
For companies requiring large campuses or heavy logistics infrastructure, nearby nodes such as Wynberg or Midrand may be more suitable.
Waverley remains a strong commercial node for professional services, medical practices, and growing SMEs. Its central location, reliable infrastructure, and competitive rentals make it an attractive alternative to Sandton and Rosebank.
If you are considering office space to let in Waverley or evaluating commercial space to let in Waverley, partnering with a specialist broker ensures you secure the right premises at the best commercial terms.
To view available properties to let in Waverley or speak with a local expert, contact us at ANVIL Property Smith.
About ANVIL Property Smith
ANVIL Property Smith is a national commercial and industrial brokerage with on-the-ground specialists across South Africa. Our team provides expert advisory services, leasing, and sales solutions tailored to business owners and investors.
Frequently Asked Questions
What types of commercial properties are available in Waverley?
Waverley offers standalone office buildings, secure business parks, and converted residential offices. Most units range from small professional suites to mid-sized corporate offices.
Is Waverley suitable for medical practices?
Yes, many medical specialists practice in Waverley due to its central location, ample parking, and quiet environment. Zoning supports medical and wellness practices.
What is the average rental for office space in Waverley?
Office rentals typically range from R95/m² to R140/m², depending on building quality, size, and location.
How accessible is Waverley for staff and clients?
Waverley has excellent access to the N1 and M1 highways, as well as public transport along Louis Botha Avenue, making commuting convenient.
Are there secure business parks in Waverley?
Yes, several gated business parks offer 24-hour security, controlled access, and secure parking.
Does Waverley have backup power infrastructure?
Many modern office buildings include generators or inverter systems to mitigate load shedding.
Which office sizes are most in demand?
Units between 80 m² and 300 m² are most sought after, particularly for professional service firms.
Is Waverley a good investment node?
Yes, stable demand, limited supply, and consistent rental growth make Waverley attractive to investors.
Are lease terms flexible in Waverley?
Landlords are generally open to negotiating lease terms, especially for quality tenants.
Can ANVIL Property Smith assist with site selection?
Yes, our brokers provide tailored property searches and market guidance based on your business needs.
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