Building Cities, Creating Communities

With more than 13,000 residential apartments, 1.5 million square meters of commercial space, and 500 buildings under our care, we’re a team of 400 passionate individuals driven by one mission—transforming spaces and lives.

It all began in 1968 with Alec Wapnick, a part-time accountant by day and part-time student by night, with a full-time dream of building a property portfolio. Alongside like-minded partners, Alec identified opportunities, did the numbers, and managed properties. Over time, he left accounting and turned his dream into reality by founding City Property.

As the years unfolded, South Africa faced immense change, and while others withdrew, Alec stayed and decided to invest in the inner city, defying the odds. His son Jeffrey joined the business, and together they took on the challenge of revitalising Johannesburg and Pretoria. They transformed office buildings into residential apartments, creating affordable spaces where people could feel at home, all while fostering a bustling network of commercial spaces.

From residential renovations to commercial hubs and industrial parks, City Property has left its mark on urban landscapes, helping cities come alive. As Jeffrey Wapnick explains, “For over 55 years, we’ve been more than just curators of buildings; we are champions of transformation, shaping perceptions and contributing to the cities where people live, work, and thrive. We’re dedicated to make a meaningful difference in the lives we touch.”

Our properties now cater to the needs of 21st-century living, with modern amenities like play areas, laundromats, Wi-Fi, and meeting rooms. And our commitment to people goes beyond bricks and mortar. We’ve invested in our community through various CSI initiatives focussing on children, education and health. By upgrading public spaces, we have transformed parts of the city — cleaning streets, upgrading pavements, building public toilet facilities – enhancing the everyday lives of city dwellers.

As we look back on more than five decades of growth and transformation, we’re proud of the communities we’ve built and the lives we’ve touched.

We’d love to hear from you! Have you been part of this journey? Share your story with us on our social media channels and celebrate the legacy we’re creating together.