Aida National Franchises has reopened a real estate office in Kroonstad. The franchise has been awarded to Pierre Boucher, owner of the well-established Aida franchise in Parys. “Opening an office in Kroonstad affords us the opportunity to consolidate the Aida presence in the local property market,” he says. Hannes Diedericks has been appointed as Aida Kroonstad’s office manager and heads up a complement of five estate agents. He says the brand has received a warm welcome among local property buyers and sellers. “Aida is the country’s oldest real estate brand and enjoys great recognition in the market, which greatly assisted us in establishing ourselves in Kroonstad,” he adds. The local market has stabilised since the upheaval of the recent recession, says Diedericks. “Although buying and selling of property is still somewhat subdued, we are confident that conditions are improving. “Kroonstad’s market fundamentals are healthy and the market is underpinned by salaried workers buying family homes. Improving economic conditions are also allowing first-time buyers to enter the market, which bodes well for future growth and stability,” says Diedericks. First-time buyers are mostly active in the more affordable sector where prices range between R400 000 and about R600 000. Diedericks adds that the top end of the market currently offers good value. Large homes with luxury finishes and extras such as pools and lapas with in-built braais on large stands are selling at prices of less than R2m.