Housing Impact in Doornpoort - will the new Akademia university campus in Pretoria East (Boschkop Road) have an impact on housing in Doornpoort? Developments of this scale generally influence the broader regional property market, even if they are not immediate neighbours. While in the East, the campus is positioned to attract students from across Gauteng, and major road links might make commuting from northeastern areas like Doornpoort feasible for students or staff looking for alternatives to on-campus housing.
The Campus will have a significant impact on local housing in the immediate area (Pretoria East), as it aims to accommodate 5,000 undergraduate and 1,500 postgraduate students by 2028. While providing on-campus residences for 1,500 students, the high influx of students and staff will increase demand for nearby off-campus accommodation.
The new Akademia University campus in Mooiplaats, located on Boschkop Road, is approximately 35-45 km from Doornpoort, Pretoria, depending on the route (typically via the N1/N4 or N1/Delmas Rd). The drive generally takes 35-50 minutes, with the campus situated about 8 km from Solomon Mahlangu Drive.
Key Details Regarding Housing Impact In Pretoria East:
Targeted Growth: The development aims to cater to 5,000 full-time undergraduate students and nearly 1,500 postgraduate students, with Phase 1 completion expected by January 1, 2028.
On-Campus Housing: The project plans to provide on-campus residences for 1,500 students, consisting of four men's and four women's residences.
Impact on Area: With 6,500 total students expected, the 1,500 on-campus beds mean the remaining 5,000 students, plus faculty and staff, will create high demand for private rentals and student accommodation in the surrounding Pretoria East/Boschkop area.
Development Scale: The project, initiated by the Solidarity Movement and developer Kanton, is a major investment aimed at creating a comprehensive, permanent campus to replace earlier temporary solutions.
The location on Boschkop Road, near Solomon Mahlangu Drive, indicates that surrounding neighbourhoods in the east of Pretoria will experience increased pressure on residential capacity, potentially boosting demand for secure housing developments, apartments, and student digs.
