The need for student accommodation in Stellenbosch

Property in and around Stellenbosch is exceptionally desirable to a host of people, including those who dream of living in the Western Cape, near Cape Town, the mountains, and the sea, as well as students who attend Stellenbosch University and are seeking student accommodation. This Boland town in its entirety has become a sought-after, aspirational area – the perfect location for the expert property services of Fine & Country South Africa.

Second oldest European settled town

Charming and supremely picturesque, the town of Stellenbosch is the second oldest town in South Africa. Stellenbosch was founded and first settled by the Dutch in 1679, when the Governor of the Cape Colony, Simon van der Stel, brought burghers from Cape Town to this fertile valley, primarily for agricultural purposes.

Agricultural roots

Cape Town was settled and established as a station for sailing vessels of the VOC (Dutch East India Company) to take on fresh water and provisions for their long, arduous voyages to and from the Dutch East Indies, a highly desirable trade route, which many nations sought to control. Van der Stel named Stellenbosch after himself, hoping that this settlement would prove valuable in adding to the fresh produce supplies.

A university town

Stellenbosch continued to develop and grow as time passed, eventually becoming best known for its wine production in the achingly beautiful heart of the Cape Winelands and its university, the Stellenbosch University. For many years, Stellenbosch owed much of its proud reputation to the university and was frequently referred to as a university town, because during varsity vacations, the town was all but empty.

Phenomenal growth in student numbers

In 1970, the total number of students enrolled at Stellenbosch University was slightly more than 5 500. By 2017, this number had increased to an incredible 31 627 students. Almost without exception, unless they had family with whom they could get accommodation and live in close proximity to Stellenbosch, all these students needed accommodation suitable for students and study.

Overall increase in Stellenbosch population

According to Statistics South Africa 1970, the total population of the town of Stellenbosch in that year was 29 955. In the 2011 national census, the population of Stellenbosch was said to be 155 700. Subsequently, this figure was projected to increase to 176 523 by 2018.

Unrelenting demand for student accommodation

Much of Stellenbosch’s phenomenal growth may be attributed to a combination of factors, beginning with the popularity of the university and an enormous demand for student accommodation. But, the demand outweighs the supply of accommodation. When looking at growth, one must also add the popularity of the town as a place of residence, and limited numbers of properties for sale, for general, non-student accommodation.

Insufficient available accommodation in university residences fails to cater for all the students who enrol for tertiary education. Without increasing fees dramatically, varsity authorities lack sufficient resources and space in which to develop more student accommodation for those students who cannot get traditional student accommodation.

Privately owned student accommodation

Private or privately owned student accommodation is not the only, but ideal solution for these young folks and their parents or sponsors. Many developers are heeding the call for more student accommodation in Stellenbosch, while upmarket estate agents like Fine & Country South Africa are on hand in this prestigious town to assist buyers of and investors in property that’s suitable for student accommodation.

Get in touch with one of our expert property specialists who’ll gladly guide you through the dos, don’ts, musts, and must-nots of investing in Stellenbosch student accommodation, a golden opportunity for discerning property investors and our student leaders of the future.