Who better to answer that question than a fiercely proud and loyal group of property professionals?

Kroonstad was announced as the Kwêla Dorp Van Die Jaar 2022 on Sunday, 31 July, after a competition based on SMS votes. Celebrating the news, Braam Zwart, the franchisee of Just Property Kroonstad, explained what makes his town special. “Life in Kroonstad is all about savouring the small moments, putting yourself in your friend's shoes, helping a neighbour or colleague, and being part of a great community. I'm thrilled that our town and its people have been recognised like this.” Zwart points to the “Ignite and Revive Kroonstad” initiative, which he believes influenced voters. “It is a community project in cooperation with the municipality. We aim to restore Kroonstad to its place as the jewel in the Free State crown. Business owners and the public ‘adopt’ a circle or island, fix it up and maintain it for the year at their own expense and in their own time. We focus on working together to make Kroonstad great and taking pride in where we live.”

The perfect place to bring up kids

Situated midway between Johannesburg and Bloemfontein, close to Welkom and other bigger towns, Kroonstad is the third largest town in the Free State, yet it boasts a rural, peaceful lifestyle. “Thanks to the low crime rate here, many properties still have open yards with no fencing,” explains Just Property Sales Practitioner Hester Viljoen. “And as agents who market properties in every area of our town, we can vouch for the fact that this is a very safe place to live and conduct business. Almost everyone knows everyone. The people here are very, very friendly and always willing to assist a visitor or neighbour.”

“It’s a great place to bring up children,” Hester’s colleague Sanet Gericke adds. “There’s a wide spectrum of schooling and prominent colleges satisfying a variety of educational needs, from academics to farming and technology, etc. The highlight is the annual Bokkieweek where schools from Cape Town to Musina compete in rugby, hockey and netball matches, cheered on by thousands of spectators.”

Just Property rental practitioner Shaun Proudfoot agrees. “There’s so much to do here. There are still wide open spaces and reserves like Boskoppie and the White Lion Project,  with incredible views to enjoy. Serfontein Dam is a favourite for skiing, and many families enjoy fishing on the Vals River and Bloemhoek Dam. There’s a popular golf course too.”

Hot Property

Three shopping centres and a mall serve the community, with applications being processed for further commercial development. “Kroonstad being the town of the year has sparked lots of interest from outsiders wanting to move here,” says Zwart. “Due to increasing demand, the average price of properties has increased rapidly, but the cost of living remains lower than other towns or cities in the area. While R1m might buy a flat in big cities, it could still get you a mansion in Kroonstad!”

“Kroonstad proved itself to be a great ‘remote working’ location, being around two hours’ drive from JHB and Bloemfontein,” adds Sindiswa Jacobs, a rental and sales practitioner with Just Property Kroonstad. “As a result, rental properties have been in very high demand since the start of Covid-19.”

Just Property Kroonstad has always focused on being accessible for property advice and educating the community on property investment since it was founded in 2007. “Even if the client decides to deal with someone else, we are still here to assist and guide,” Zwart explains. “This mission has helped to improve the lives and lifestyles of many of our clients down the years to help them make informed decisions. Buying property can be stressful - we take the hassle out of the rental or sales process for our clients.”

The franchise epitomises the values and vision of the fast-growing Just Property brand. As Zwart says, “Just Property is not just a company - it is a home!”

And for Zwart and his team, home could not be in a lovelier place than South Africa’s Dorp van die Jaar, the friendly, caring town of Kroonstad.

For more information on Just Property, please visit www.just.property or call (087) 583 3333.