Property investment in Windhoek, the capital of Namibia

Namibia is one of the most beautiful countries in Africa and is drawing buyers from all over the world according to Maria Esterhuysen, Seeff’s Licensee for Namibia.

At the heart of the country is Windhoek, the capital and business and social hub of Namibia. Nearly every Namibian national enterprise, governmental body, educational and cultural institution is headquartered here.

The constantly expanding city with its hustle and bustle is surrounded by nature and at night, the skies are lit by city lights against the backdrop of far-off mountains. Windhoek is the gateway to the rest of the country which offers an incredibly diverse natural landscape of dry deserts, flat savannas, rocky mountains and lush green landscapes, with wild animals and a colourful cultural diversity.

Esterhuysen says the expansion of business opportunities invites many people to Windhoek. In the city centre the aroma of street cafés and coffee shops is tangible on every street corner and the air is filled with lively sounds and a busy hum of city dwellers and business people.

Continuously improving infrastructure and world-class road, rail and air infrastructure makes traveling effortless. This is complemented by an excellent telecommunications network. Windhoek offers outstanding medical facilities and primary, secondary and tertiary education. There are several higher learning institutions including the UNAM (University of Namibia), known for quality medical training and achievements in various other faculties.

Modern shopping centres, historical museums, excellent restaurants, lodges and an international airport and regional airport complete the Windhoek experience and add tremendous value to its residents and tourists.

Tourism and employment
Namibia is known for its farmland and hunting experiences. While Windhoek is one of the world's major centres for the karakul sheepskin trade, Namibia also thrives on tourism, fishery and agriculture. Tourism is the country’s largest income and employment sector.

Recent upgrades and construction of new tar roads makes it a country of opportunities for investors and tourists with access to some of the world’s most beautiful locations and unforgettable experiences.

It boasts some of the best lodges in the world and together with the national parks this attracts a lot of tourists. In the far north there is the rolling thunder of the PUPA falls in the rainy season, Tiger fishing on the Kavango River and breathtaking sunsets with the honking of hippos in the red vanishing African sun.

Etosha, Namibia’s wildlife nature reserve, offers the opportunity to enjoy the tranquil surroundings of nature and wildlife in the well-maintained park. The famous Fish River Canyon in the south invites hikers from all over the world to conquer its challenges and enjoy the breathtaking night skies with the moon and stars that bedazzle.

Historical German-styled buildings from the colonial days in the centre of Windhoek are another attraction. These include the Alte Feste (old fort), Tintenpalast (the parliament buildings) and the Christuskirche (Church of Christ).

For nature lovers there are various nature estates on the outskirts of Windhoek which gives you the opportunity of space and serenity while still only a few minutes away from the city.

The tacit benefits of Windhoek
While Namibia borders South Africa, Botswana, Zambia and Angola, it has emerged as a standout country in SADC, rich in diamonds, uranium and mineral resources, and a strong tourism economy.

Namibia is politically and economically stable with a democratically elected government and a low crime rate which is of enormous benefit to the property sector.

Windhoek’s population is growing at around 4% annually. Due to the challenges posed by the rocky mountainous areas which make land development costly, the Council has expansion plans to extend the city’s boundaries dramatically which will make Windhoek the third-largest city in the world by area, although its population density is only 63 inhabitants per square kilometre. This will also contribute to making Windhoek one of the safest and cleanest cities in the world.

Windhoek is often considered the most popular place for foreigners to visit, and it is also where the majority of the nation's population enjoy working and living.

Overview of the Windhoek property market
Esterhuysen says Windhoek is a great place to live or retire in and is the most affordable city to purchase property in.

Windhoek has about 20 suburbs, and 11 townships (mostly informal housing structures). With more than 20 areas to choose from, Windhoek offers a wide variety of residential, commercial and industrial properties.

Modern houses and buildings shape the framework of new developing areas. Each of Windhoek’s areas/suburbs is unique and offers buyers a wide range to choose from with easy access to social amenities, entertainment facilities and excellent infrastructure.

Nature also forms part of the heart and soul of Namibia. Developments on the outskirts of Windhoek such as Omeya Golf Course, Finkenstein and Elissenheim give nature lovers the opportunity to have the freedom of space and the serenity of nature while living only a few kilometres from the city centre.

Since COVID there has been a lot of uncertainty such as where to invest and if to invest, but Esterhuysen says the property market is experiencing strong activity and offers outstanding opportunities. The market is leaning in favour of buyers although there is a lot of interest in the top end price bands.

Coastal properties between N$5 million to N$10 million are enjoying faster than normal movement. The scarcity of sea view and seafront properties is making these even more sought-after than before.

Seeff Namibia is also seeing high demand for rental properties across their trading areas with stock only lasting a few days in the current market with high demand across all areas and price ranges.

Foreigners purchasing property in Namibia
Foreigners are free to purchase property in Namibia. The only restriction is on agricultural land where they may only own up to 49% of the property. Foreigners are free to open bank accounts and can apply for mortgage loans at any Namibian bank and could even secure up to 100% on a first property.

A stable government and low crime rate are some of the country’s biggest assets. Namibia is currently seen as favourable for property investment due to the good investment to value ratio and the accommodating Tax laws. This includes no capital gains tax, estate duties or transfer duties on the purchase of a business enterprise.

Esterhuysen says Namibian real estate is a highly sought-after resource and will always be an asset and an investment in the future. Stable prices underpinned by strong property laws makes the Windhoek property market a favourable investment prospect.


Photographs enclosed
Architectural beauties such as this conceptual multi-story design, mixed use property that offers an erf of 1,770 sqm, located in Windhoek Central can for example be owned for a price tag of N$ 9 million (ZAR9 million).