Let’s face it – the one thing worse than finding a place to live, is giving up a chunk of your salary to pay for the roof over your head.
In a previous article, we highlighted the struggles and various costs that come with living in certain areas in South Africa, and while there are certain steps that are being taken to ensure that more affordable housing becomes available, we’ve got a long way to go before everyone will be able to have enough to be able to rent a place without breaking the bank.
We’ve asked our readers to share what they spend on rent – here are some of their response.
I am paying R1500.00 per no parking, one big room and no shower. Oh, and the toilet is outside. This is in the Cape Town area.
- Tanduxolo
I pay R 6900 for a three-bed, two-bath, double garage row house in Kempton Park with a garden both in front and at the back.
- Robin
I’m already dreading my rental increase to R6 100 on 1 Feb!
I cannot even imagine living close to work in the city centre – even with my “above the curve” salary. It’s just impossible. Buying a house is even worse – impossible for the middle market.
I’m over 40 and house “sharing” is out of the question for me. The inner city is only for the wealthy or those prepared to share.
- Estelle
Three bedrooms, two bathrooms and guest loo in Tokai, Western Cape – R13 000pm.
- Stephen
I pay R7350 for a townhouse in Table View in Cape Town – it has three bedrooms, two bathrooms (one with shower and bath and ensuite with shower). There is a downstairs guest toilet and the kitchen has a built-in oven and hob. There’s also a garden, garage and a parking bay.
It is in a security complex where every single unit is the same.
I found out that a few doors down the people were paying R14,000 for the same that I have which I find unbelievable.
The rents in Cape Town are messed up.
Have no idea how I will be able to afford rent for the same as I am getting now if I ever had to leave.
- Claire
READ MORE: 9 small ways to save your hard-earned money
I used to live in Kenilworth with a house share of three rooms.
I lived there for nearly three years and had to move back into my dad’s house (now paying R3000) in Pinelands as I could no longer afford my R3800 monthly rent with the increase of fuel prices, medical aid and retirement annuity debits that I'm not willing to sacrifice.
I'm a qualified full time working professional in Cape Town earning a R16000 per month salary and I still can still barely come out each month.
- Stephen
My husband and I live in a three-bedroom house in Muizenberg with a garage and enough space around the house to feel comfortable.
We pay R7000 per month towards our bond. We have to leave at, at least, 6:15 in the morning to avoid heavy traffic to work in Observatory and Airport Industria. I would prefer to live closer to work, but
I'd rather have a big space for my pets and live comfortably.
- Nicole
I pay R4 600 for a very small Garden cottage in Northcliff, Johannesburg. It has one bed and bath and no covered parking.
- Marizette.
My partner and I pay R5500 per month for a two bedroom townhouse in Bloemfontein. The rent increases by 10% every year (your annual increase is less than that). This is insane – I don't know how we will survive in the future with everything increasing.
- Ansje
Are you currently renting a flat or paying off a bond? How much do you spend on rent and how do you make your salary work for you the rest of the month? Share with us.
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