Mar
2017
When one hears the name Swellendam there are many images that bombard the senses like the Langeberg Mountains and the Clock Peaks, or the architecture that exudes nostalgia with a mixture of Dutch and a sort of Alpine village surroundings or the myriad varieties of Fynbos painting shades of purple and the conserved Erica and everlasting species and the mention of wainwrights. In all truth Swellendam is the third oldest town in the then Republic of South Africa. Swellendam was established in 1743. The town is also home to over fifty provincial heritage sites with the Cape Dutch architecture taking the honors. So, if the town was established in 1743 that would mean there is a thriving competitive property market, and one would not be wrong. The property usage in the town is as diverse as the fauna and flora as there are freestanding homes, townhouses apartments, security, lifestyle and golf estates, small holdings and farms. Given this diverse market it is no surprise that the market is also lucrative for both permanent residents and for property investors in the second holiday home market. Since 2016 the town has experienced a marked surge in property values which are heading for around the R 1.2 mil mark on the median graph. Freestanding homes are equally buoyant and the market is a bit more prestigious which may have something to do with nostalgia or just the beauty of this gem of a laid back country style town. There is of course also some of the modern architecture seen in other town and centers across the country which is also partly influenced by the presence of the various estates like Infanta Estate, and Bergzicht Security Estate. Second holiday home owners find the same value in property and more like all the tourists’ venues and attractions. Permanent residents are catered for with crucial services like schools and malls. Schools in Swellendam are Olyfkrans College, Swellendam High School and Akkerboom Primary School. Malls catering for retail needs are Ten Damme Mall and SwellenMark Regional Shopping Centre. One does get the idea that it seems the powers that be are intent on maintaining the natural integrity of the town and not pollute it with too much building clutter.
