Page 19 - AHATA

a8 local
Wednesday 30 april 2025

Moratorium = Higher Condominium Prices

By Alberto Perret Gentil

aligns with their broader tourism strategy: priori-
tizing quality over quantity.

However, the door isn’t entirely closed. Excep-
tions are being made for boutique hotels and
condo-hotels, especially in downtown Oranjes-
tad and San Nicolas—areas that are ripe for
revitalization.
Naturally, when supply is capped while demand
continues to grow, prices tend to rise. That’s ex-
actly what we’re witnessing in the ocean-view ian and Argentinian investors is also ticking up.
condo market. Limited inventory is pushing val- It’s worth noting: Aruba’s real estate remains
ues up, and as foreigners find fewer condo op- competitively priced when compared to other
tions, many are turning their eyes toward single- Caribbean destinations, especially given its politi-
family homes—adding upward pressure on that cal stability, modern infrastructure, and beach-
segment too. front access.

On a macroeconomic note, the Trump tariff is All things considered, we remain bullish on
likely to lead to slower growth and higher inflation Aruba’s real estate fundamentals—especially
Just a few weeks into office, the new government in the U.S., at least in the short term. This could properties near the ocean. The combination of
has already started to shape the future of Aruba’s soften American buying power. But we're also limited supply, solid international interest, and a
tourism and real estate landscape. A central seeing new demand from other countries. Ca- still-undervalued market makes for an appealing
piece of their plan is a proposed moratorium nadian buyers, having cashed out of their South investment outlook.
on new hotel and condominium developments, Florida vacation properties at record highs, are
particularly in the high-traffic tourist zones. This increasingly looking to Aruba. Interest from Brazil- Just my two cents.q

Visit the historic museum at Fort Zoutman!

and the tower. That’s right, Fort Zoutman had a more the Historic Museum it cur-
the iconic 5-story, squared tumultuous past, including rently is.
tower was not part of the the on-and-off reception of
original structure of the fort, unwanted members of the Despite its small size, The His-
and is actually called “Wil- English military several times toric Museum guards a rich
lem III Toren”. Constructed in (The Netherlands was at con- depository of the commer-
1867, this tower was named stant war with England back cial, military and social his-
after the then-reigning king in the colonial era). tory of Oranjestad, offering
of The Netherlands, Willem III. a glance into how the social
Willem III Toren was originally Over the years, both the fort culture of the town came to
a light tower, but after a re- and the tower had func- be. If you are interested in
quest from Lieutenant Gov- tioned as different govern- history and want to learn
ernor Jan Helenus in 1866, it ment center points, including more about Aruba, then Fort
(Oranjestad)—Located in the ways and have survived eras also became a bell tower. a tax and stamps office. For Zoutman should definitely be
middle of downtown Oran- of war and attempted dis- some time these two build- included into your itinerary.
jestad, situated right next mantling. The fort itself was originally ings also housed a police
to the government building constructed to protect the precinct and jail, and even The museum is open Monday
“Cocolishi”, is one of the old- When anyone refers to Fort commerce bay of Paarden- experienced abandonment to Friday from 9am-6pm, and
est buildings of Aruba: Fort Zoutman, they are actually baai from pirates and other until the Cultural Center Saturday from 10am-2pm.q
Zoutman. First constructed referring to two separate disreputable characters Aruba Foundation (CCA)
in 1796, this site has been buildings that, over the years, roaming the Caribbean Sea. petitioned for its renovation Source: The Old Fort of Aruba
used (or left unused) in many have been merged: the fort Unlike the Willem III Toren, in 1964, turning the site into by Jan Hartog.