Innovation at City Property

Building smarter communities, one idea at a time

It’s about improving the everyday experience of our tenants. Whether it’s making laundry easier, creating award-winning co-living communities or introducing practical services that simplify life, every innovation begins with the same question: How can we make life better for the people who live, work and do business in our buildings?

Over the years, we’ve discovered that the best innovations often have something in common. They help people save time, save money or reduce stress – whether it’s staying connected with free WiFi, collecting a parcel after hours, doing laundry more conveniently or accessing quality housing close to work and school – every improvement is designed to make the tenant experience more memorable.

Although PropTech is the buzzword in the property industry, we’re introducing smart solutions to create memorable tenant experiences and stronger communities across our portfolio.

Innovation has always been part of our story

Innovation isn’t new to City Property. Long before urban regeneration became a recognised trend, we saw the opportunity to transform ageing commercial buildings into quality residential apartments, student accommodation, and mixed-use developments. By investing in South Africa’s inner cities, we helped create vibrant neighbourhoods where families could live closer to work, schools, universities, public transport and the services they rely on. That same philosophy continues to guide us today. Our goal isn’t simply to manage buildings. It’s to create connected communities where people can live, work, learn and thrive.

Small ideas. Big difference

Not every innovation needs to transform a city skyline. Sometimes it’s the smallest improvements that have the biggest impact. One example is our Wash Bar concept. When we introduced digitally operated self-service laundromats, we challenged the traditional coin-operated laundry model. Bright, modern and easy to use, Wash Bars allow tenants to pay digitally without the hassle of carrying coins or searching for change. Today, they continue to grow in popularity because they solve a simple challenge. It’s a reminder that innovation doesn’t always have to be revolutionary. Sometimes it just has to make life easier.

Creating communities, not just accommodation

One of City Property’s proudest innovation success stories is Yethu City. More than a residential development, Yethu City represents a new approach to co-living in South Africa. From the earliest concept and design stages through to construction and day-to-day management, the focus has always been on creating a community rather than simply providing accommodation.

Shared spaces encourage connection, the lifestyle offering promotes collaboration and the community culture creates a sense of belonging that extends far beyond four walls.

The industry’s recognition through multiple awards is a reflection of the team’s vision, dedication and commitment to delivering something truly different.

Everyday convenience, reimagined

Innovation is often about solving the small challenges that people face every day. Sometimes it’s helping a student print an assignment after hours. Sometimes it’s giving a young family access to free WiFi or making it easier to receive a parcel while you’re at work. Individually, these may seem like small improvements, but together they help our tenants save time and money, and removing small frustrations from daily life.

Across our portfolio, we’re continually introducing practical services that make city living easier, more connected and more convenient.

In today’s digital world, staying connected is essential. Whether it’s students attending online lectures, young professionals working remotely, children completing school projects or families streaming their favourite shows, reliable internet has become part of everyday life. That’s why free WiFi is included for our residential tenants — making it easier to study, work, stay entertained and keep in touch with the people who matter most.

Our vending machines provide quick access to snacks and essentials for students studying late into the night or professionals working after hours.

Our Anytime Lockers have become a favourite among students and professionals alike. Whether receiving courier deliveries, collecting parcels, safely storing gym gear or sharing keys with family and friends, the secure self-service lockers offer flexibility that fits around busy lifestyles.

Coming soon is Anytime Print, launching at The Fields, our student accommodation in Hatfield. Available 24 hours a day, the self-service print, copy and scan facility will make it faster, more convenient and more affordable for students to print assignments, lecture notes and important documents whenever they need them.

Each of these services may seem small on its own, but together they reflect a much bigger commitment: continually finding practical ways to improve the daily lives of our tenants.

Looking ahead

Innovation isn’t about chasing the latest trend or how much technology you introduce. It’s measured about the positive difference it makes in people’s lives.

Whether we’re helping a student save on data, giving a young professional more time in their day or making life a little less stressful for a family, every innovation reflects the same commitment: creating communities where people can live, work and thrive.

At City Property, we’ll continue exploring new ideas, practical services and smarter ways to enhance community living, strengthen the tenant experience and create places where people genuinely enjoy living, working and studying.

Some innovations will be highly visible. Others will quietly make every day a little easier.

Together, they all contribute to the same vision: creating communities where people don’t simply live — they belong.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does innovation mean at City Property?

For us, innovation means finding practical ways to improve the lives of our tenants. Whether it’s creating new services, improving shared spaces or introducing more convenient amenities, every innovation is designed to create a better tenant experience.

What is PropTech?

PropTech (Property Technology) refers to the use of technology to improve how properties are developed, managed and experienced. At City Property, we believe the best technology is the kind that makes life simpler, more convenient and more connected.

How is City Property improving the tenant experience?

We’re continually investing in practical services and amenities that make life easier. Recent innovations include free WiFi, DIY Wash Bars, Anytime Lockers, Anytime Print, vending machines and award-winning co-living communities like Yethu City.

What is co-living?

Co-living offers the privacy of your own room or living space, with access to shared communal areas like kitchens and lounges, giving residents independence of living on their own while encouraging connection, collaboration and a sense of community.

Why does City Property invest in innovation?

Innovation helps us create better places to live, work and learn. It helps our tenants save time, money and making life easier. By continually improving our buildings, services and amenities, we’re helping tenants save time and money, while enhancing the tenant experience.