From vision to victory: Yethu City’s award-winning journey

Since opening its doors early last year, Yethu Cityhas captured the attention of both residents and the property industry, earning several prestigious accolades that recognise its innovative approach to affordable urban living and the positive impact it is having on Pretoria’s CBD.

Most recently, Yethu City received the Platinum Award for Affordable Multi-Family Residential Project 2026 at the Reside Awards, adding to its growing list of industry recognition. This shared accommodation development was also named “Best New Affordable Housing” at the Africa Property Investment (API) Awards and selected as a finalist in the Retrofit Project of the Year category at the Big 5 South Africa Impact Awards, which celebrate projects and organisations driving excellence and innovation in South Africa’s built environment.

These accolades are a powerful endorsement of a co-living development that dared to challenge conventional thinking about urban housing and accessibility.

A new vision for city living

Situated at 84 Sisulu Street in Pretoria’s CBD, Yethu City is City Property’s first co-living development and represents a fresh approach to urban living. Purpose-built for young professionals, first-time renters and commuters seeking value and convenience, Yethu City combines affordability with quality, thoughtful design and a strong sense of community.

The development offers private and shared rooms, modern communal spaces, co-working areas, a rooftop leisure and gym area,The Wash Barand all-inclusive monthly rentals that include WiFi, water and electricity. Smart technology, facial recognition access control, energy-efficient systems and water-conscious design further enhance the living experience.

More than just a place to live, Yethu City was created as a community-driven environment where residents can enjoy the perfect balance between privacy and connection.

True to its name –Yethu, meaning “ours” – the development is built on a sense of belonging, encouraging neighbours to become friends and transforming city living into a collaborative and enriching experience.

A development that residents have embraced

Perhaps the greatest endorsement of Yethu City’s success has been the response from its residents.

The development achieved impressive occupancy levels shortly after launch, reflecting the significant demand for innovative, affordable and quality accommodation in Pretoria’s CBD. The positive reception from tenants has demonstrated that affordability does not need to come at the expense of design, convenience or community.

Yethu City has shown that by thinking differently and embracing new models of urban living, it is possible to create spaces that are both accessible and aspirational.

A collective achievement

These awards celebrate more than a building; they recognise the vision, expertise and dedication of the many people who helped bring Yethu City to life.

From City Property’s development, project and operational teams to the architects, consultants, contractors and partners who shared the vision, Yethu City is the result of extraordinary collaboration and a commitment to doing things differently.

Together, they have created a development that not only breathes new life into an existing building but also contributes meaningfully to the revitalisation of Pretoria’s inner city and sets a new benchmark for affordable urban living.

The next chapter

The success of Yethu City has reinforced City Property’s belief that the future of housing lies in innovation, sustainability and community-focused design.

Building on this momentum, City Property is set to announce a second Yethu City development, marking the next exciting chapter in its vision to shape the future of affordable co-living.

While details of the new shared accommodation development will be shared in due course, one thing is certain: the journey that began on Sisulu Street is only the beginning.

As Yethu City continues to earn recognition from industry peers and win the hearts of its residents, it stands as proof that affordable housing can be innovative, stylish, sustainable and community-driven.

For City Property, this award-winning development is more than a success story — it is a blueprint for the future of urban living, demonstrating what can be achieved when innovation, collaboration and community come together to create places where people can truly thrive.