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Rentals

Renting out a parking bay, garage or storage space

Rent a spare bay, garage or lock-up to a neighbour, commuter or small business for a monthly fee.

Thin evidenceLast checked 24 Oct 2026

See how this fits you

Who it suits

People with a spare bay or garage near offices, stations, flats or busy streets.

The customer and the problem

Typical customer: Commuters, flat dwellers with two cars, small businesses needing storage.

A safe, reliable place to park or store things.

Is there demand?

Office parking in Sandton lists at about R598 to R897 a month (Redefine parking portal), and monthly bays in Johannesburg from about R800 (MyOffice). Home bays in suburbs usually earn less; check what nearby listings charge.

  • A spare bay at a block of flats
  • A garage rented as storage
  • Weekday parking near a station or office park

Getting customers

A notice at your complex, local Facebook groups and Gumtree.

Relies on: Listing on online marketplaces (Takealot, Bob Shop, Etsy, Teacha!), Word of mouth and referrals, Responding to enquiries.

Money

  • Revenue model: A monthly fee, paid in advance.
  • Price evidence: Office parking in Sandton lists at about R598 to R897 a month (Redefine); Johannesburg bays from about R800 (MyOffice). Home bays usually earn less; check locally.
  • Gross margin: Very high; you already have the space.
  • Payment costs: EFT.
  • Operating costs: Very little.
  • Recurring costs: A padlock or remote, and a little time.

Time to first income

Bays near busy places rent faster.

Competition, risks and scale

Low to moderate, depending on your area.

  • Complex rules: check your body corporate or lease allows it
  • Theft or damage: agree in writing who is responsible
  • Late payment: take the month in advance

Room to grow: Limited to the space you have.

Legal and tax in South Africa

Check your body corporate rules, lease or title deed allows renting out a bay or storage. Register for income tax with SARS once you earn above the tax threshold, and keep a record of every sale and every cost (stock, materials, transport and fees are business costs).

How it fits South Africa: Strongest in metros near offices, stations and flats.

Questions people ask

How much does it cost to start renting out a parking bay, garage or storage space in South Africa?

Our research puts start-up costs at about R0 to R2 000. Recurring costs: A padlock or remote, and a little time.

How long until the first income?

Typically about 30 days, and between 7 and 90 days. Bays near busy places rent faster.

Can I do it with only a phone?

Yes, a smartphone is enough to start, although a laptop helps as you grow.

What about tax and legal rules?

Check your body corporate rules, lease or title deed allows renting out a bay or storage. Register for income tax with SARS once you earn above the tax threshold, and keep a record of every sale and every cost (stock, materials, transport and fees are business costs).

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Researched by the Earn Path team · editorial policy