With short-term rental demand surging at Swakopmund, long-term accommodation has become scarce, driving up prices and fuelling rental scams.
Swakopmund's popularity as a holiday destination is driving a major shift in the rental market.

Maria Dedig is an estate agent for Just Property who says, "There is high demand for short-term rentals compared to long-term rentals. This is because Swakopmund has become one of Namibia's top destinations for holidaymakers, especially international visitors, and most of them prefer short-term rentals."

During peak seasons such as long weekends and December holidays, hotels quickly fill up, forcing visitors to turn to self-catering accommodation.

 It's the calls you get on a daily basis. The phone rings from morning to evening with people searching for long-term rentals. However, in Swakopmund, it is almost impossible to secure one because most property owners prefer short-term rentals."

Property owners, like Paulus Nhinda, owner of El Paraiso Guesthouse, agree the decision is largely financial.

"I realised I spend more money when I have long-term tenants because when they move out, I have to spend more on repairs. Long-term tenants tend to damage the place. I also spend more on water and electricity."

But for residents, the shortage has pushed rents beyond reach.
Desperation has also opened the door to scams.
One resident, Nana Gaes, has been looking for a place to rent for the past three years and recently lost her deposit to a scam.

"She said she was renting out her place because she was moving at the end of November and that the rent was N$5000. I paid her in two instalments, N$2500 and N$2500. But on the day I was packing to move in, I decided to pass by the house. Nothing was happening; she was nowhere to be found, and the husband was apparently oblivious. That's how I got scammed."

"One person sent me pictures of a place and claimed it was available, but I had to pay a deposit immediately because there was a long waiting list. He said I could view the place and get my money back if I didn't like it. I was desperate and almost believed him, but my colleague told me it was too good to be true. There's no way someone would take N$8000 from a person they have never met and then give it back," stated Swakopmund resident Aurelia David.

As Swakopmund continues to attract tourists and investors, residents are calling for more long-term housing solutions, warning that without new developments, the town's rental crisis will only worsen.