“Students are becoming more discerning and demanding value for money in the accommodation they choose,” says APM Marketing Director, Simon Rubin. “Our buildings have filled a gap in providing safe, convenient, chic and affordable student accommodation.”

Thousands more students have registered at tertiary institutions in Johannesburg and they’re battling to find accommodation. “As student population growth has far outstripped the supply of available rooms, so more students are finding it difficult to find quality accommodation at an affordable price,” says Rubin.

Rubin says APM is fanatical about the standard of accommodation it provides, steering clear of dormitory-style accommodation where tenants may have to share facilities with too many other students “We continue to provide the market with well-equipped units with superior facilities,” says Rubin.

APM has developed a reputation for converting inner city properties around Braamfontein into classy student units, complete with high quality finishes, such as granite kitchen counters and wooden flooring. It was one of the first developers to incorporate additional luxuries such as Wi-fi access and plasma TVs as part of the deal.   The company now has 2000 student beds across the city in a mixture of developments, including one and two-bed and apartments, as well as single units, complete with modern bathrooms and communal kitchens.

Aengus began its Johannesburg student revival in Braamfontein in 2008 with a number of buildings being upgraded, and then transformed an entire block called The Argyle Precinct (within walking distance of Wits Campus) into 427 up-market, one-bedroom and studio apartments designed with student living in mind.

Parktown Views, another of Aengus’ developments houses over 150 students, and the most recent development is the historic YMCA building on Rissik and Smit Streets.

Contemporary, sleek and with all the trimmings, the new YMCA, once completed, will have 240 units available for rental from R2,000 per student per month. All the buildings are situated conveniently close to Gautrain's Park Station, due to be fully operational by 2011.

Rubin says the ideal student accommodation should provide a private space for studying as well as opportunities for socialising and getting together with friends. “Our developments also take into account that it’s important for students to live somewhere that is conveniently situated for day-to-day activities such as going to lectures, attending sports meetings as well as shopping and doing laundry,” he says.

Priced at between R1500 – R2300/student/month, APM’s student units cost little more than university residence accommodation, but provide a range of additional benefits.

“All our buildings are designed with the student tenant in mind,” says Rubin.  “Security, administration and management remain central to our operational model and 24-hour security, tightly controlled access and underground parking are also provided.”

Each building is professionally managed, ensuring it is optimally maintained, clean, safe and secure. Some even have convenience stores and laundries on site. An additional service includes free daily transport to students studying at campuses further than 1km.

With huge numbers of students signing up to study at Johannesburg’s institutions this year, Rubin says APM’s buildings have already been fully subscribed.  A waiting list of students signals that demand for APM’s up-market accommodation is unstoppable. 

“Our tenants are made up of undergraduates as well as post-graduate, bursary-holders and self-funded students,” says Rubin.  “They’ve chosen the Aengus Lifestyle to enhance and complement their university experience.”