Isando Industrial Properties Area Guide

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Isando Industrial Properties Area Guide – Warehousing & Logistics at the Heart of Gauteng

Isando is one of Gauteng’s most established and strategically positioned industrial nodes. Located on the East Rand, just minutes from OR Tambo International Airport, Isando Industrial Properties has long been a backbone of South Africa’s logistics, warehousing, and manufacturing economy.

Originally developed in the mid-20th century to support Johannesburg’s rapid industrial expansion, Isando has matured into a high-intensity logistics hub. Today, it remains a preferred address for businesses that rely on efficient goods movement, airfreight access, and proximity to national transport corridors.

An interesting local detail: the name Isando is derived from an isiZulu word meaning hammer—a fitting reflection of the suburb’s industrial DNA and its role in building the regional economy.

Isando Industrial Properties

Isando is unapologetically industrial. There is very limited standalone commercial office stock, with the node instead dominated by operational, logistics-driven property.

Key sectors operating in Isando include:

  • Logistics & Warehousing – freight forwarding, distribution, courier and last-mile operators

  • Light & Heavy Manufacturing – engineering, automotive components, chemicals and FMCG

  • Airfreight & Aviation Support – import/export-focused businesses linked to airport cargo terminals

  • Packaging, Storage & Cold Chain Facilities – including specialist temperature-controlled warehousing

The node is anchored by major occupiers such as Toyota South Africa, Nampak, DHL, Bidvest Panalpina, and Imperial Logistics. Their presence has created a deep ecosystem of SMEs, suppliers, and service providers clustered around the area.

Location & Accessibility Advantages

Connectivity is Isando’s defining strength. Few industrial nodes in Gauteng can match its combination of airport access and highway exposure.

Key transport routes include:

  • R24 – direct link between Johannesburg CBD, the airport, and Ekurhuleni

  • R21 – fast north–south access toward Pretoria and the East Rand

  • N12 – east–west connectivity across Gauteng

Airport access: Isando is approximately 5 minutes from OR Tambo via Jones Road or the R21, making it ideal for airfreight-dependent operations.

Public transport: The Isando Gautrain Station sits on the airport line, offering rapid rail access to Sandton, Midrand, and Pretoria—an often-overlooked advantage for staff commuting.

Nearby industrial nodes: Jet Park, Spartan, Pomona, and Meadowdale form part of the wider East Rand logistics corridor, strengthening Isando’s strategic position.

Infrastructure & Industrial Amenities

Isando’s infrastructure has been shaped specifically for high-throughput industrial use.

Notable characteristics include:

  • Secure industrial parks and stand-alone facilities

  • Strong electricity supply, with many buildings offering 3-phase power and backup systems

  • Reliable municipal water infrastructure supporting heavy industrial users

  • Dedicated truck routes, container access, and superlink manoeuvrability

  • Widespread fibre connectivity, supporting modern logistics, ERP, and tracking systems

While some older stock remains, a clear trend has emerged toward refurbishment and redevelopment into higher-spec logistics facilities with increased eaves height and improved yard depth.

Industrial Property Market Trends in Isando

Demand for Isando Industrial Properties remains consistently strong, underpinned by its location and tenant profile.

Current market indicators:

  • Average rentals: ±R65/m² for standard warehouses

  • Modern logistics facilities: R75–R85/m² depending on specification

  • Vacancy rates: Below 5% (Q2 2024), signalling tight supply

Typical property types include:

  • Large distribution centres with multiple docking bays

  • Light industrial workshops

  • Heavy industrial premises with high power availability

  • Cold storage and airport-linked specialist facilities

From an occupier perspective, these fundamentals point to stability, operational efficiency, and long-term relevance.

Zoning & Development Outlook

Most properties in Isando fall under Industrial 1 zoning, allowing for manufacturing, warehousing, and logistics operations.

Key development trends include:

  • Redevelopment of ageing facilities into modern distribution centres

  • Improved yard layouts for container handling and superlinks

  • Ongoing upgrades to the R24/R21 interchange, enhancing traffic flow

Looking ahead, infrastructure investment around the airport precinct continues to reinforce Isando’s position as a core logistics node.

Lifestyle & Staff Convenience

Although Isando itself is industrial, it is well supported by nearby amenities:

  • Retail & dining: Kempton Park CBD and Festival Mall (±10 minutes)

  • Hotels & meeting venues: Emperors Palace, City Lodge OR Tambo, and InterContinental for business travel and networking

  • Residential access: Kempton Park, Edenvale, Boksburg, and Bedfordview are all within a 15-minute commute

This proximity helps businesses attract and retain staff despite the industrial nature of the suburb.

Featured Industrial Properties to Lease in Isando

7,772m² Industrial Facility – 76 Electron Avenue
High-exposure, highway-fronting logistics facility with large yard, dock leveller, and ±6m eaves.
View property: https://galetti.co.za/property/industrial-property/gauteng/isando/lease/69284e0f2bfe54bd38345904

5,000m² Stand-Alone Warehouse – 32 Monteer Street
Prime stand-alone facility with strong yard space, multiple roller doors, and excellent road access.
View property: https://galetti.co.za/property/industrial-property/gauteng/isando/lease/684c2d0d1a9be5c7de7f3d53

142m² A-Grade Industrial Unit – 21 Isando Road
Secure, modern unit ideal for light industrial, storage, or showroom use within a managed park.
View property: https://galetti.co.za/property/industrial-property/gauteng/isando/lease/68517a179d5d8240cc6f55c8

Isando Industrial Properties:

Advantages of Operating in Isando

  • Immediate access to OR Tambo International Airport

  • Proven logistics and distribution hub

  • Strong blue-chip tenant mix

  • Excellent highway and rail connectivity

  • Consistently low vacancy rates

Challenges to Consider

  • Peak-hour congestion on Jones Road and the R24

  • Rentals higher than peripheral industrial areas

  • Limited lifestyle amenities within the node itself

Isando: A Strategic Industrial Choice

For logistics-driven, manufacturing, or distribution businesses, Isando remains one of Gauteng’s most compelling industrial locations. Its combination of airport proximity, infrastructure depth, and tenant stability is difficult to replicate elsewhere.

To explore available industrial properties in Isando or to speak with a local specialist, get in touch with our team.

For broader market insights and industrial analysis, follow our LinkedIn newsletter:
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