Misrepresentation

 Real estate in Zimbabwe can be incredibly rewarding—or painfully costly. The difference often comes down to one word: misrepresentation.

Whether you’re buying your first stand or selling a family home, the real estate space can quickly turn from a dream to a nightmare if the truth is distorted. Let's unpack the different forms of misrepresentation, what it costs you, and how to avoid it.

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What Is Property Misrepresentation?

Misrepresentation happens when false or misleading information is presented about a property. Sometimes it’s intentional, other times it’s just careless. But no matter the intent, the damage can be real.

Here are the three types:

1. Fraudulent Misrepresentation

This is deliberate deception. A seller or agent knowingly lies—maybe about the condition of the home, the legal status of the property, or editing photos to hide structural problems.

Example: A listing shows a clean, newly renovated house, but in reality, it has foundational cracks and severe plumbing issues.

2. Negligent Misrepresentation

In this case, the misleading info isn't intentional—but it’s still reckless. The agent fails to verify key facts before passing them on.

Example: An agent says a stand is fully serviced, but doesn't check if water and electricity connections are actually in place.

3. Innocent Misrepresentation

Even when there’s no intent to deceive, sharing wrong information still has consequences.

Example: A seller honestly believes the property boundaries are correct, but the land is actually encroaching on a neighbour’s plot.

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The Consequences Are Serious

If you fall victim to misrepresentation, here’s what you could face:

• Financial Losses Surprise repairs, legal fees, or lower-than-expected rental income.
• Legal Action Buyers can sue, sales can be cancelled, and fines may be issued.
• Reputation Damage Agents or sellers who mislead—intentionally or not—can lose clients, credibility, and even licenses.

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How Buyers Can Protect Themselves

Work with a reputable real estate agent.

It seems simple, but many buyers skip this step to save money. That dreaded 5–7% commission pushes people toward cut-rate agents or unverified sellers — that’s where the trouble starts.

A licensed agent or agency offers:

• Accountability
• Market knowledge
• Verified listings
• Support through paperwork and negotiation

Yes, it costs something. But compared to what you could lose through misrepresentation, it’s a smart investment.

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Final Word

Being lied to—whether on purpose or not—is one of the most frustrating experiences in real estate. However, by knowing the types of misrepresentation and partnering with the right professionals, you can protect yourself and your investment.

This post is part of our ongoing series on navigating Zimbabwe’s real estate market. Stay tuned as we break down the truths, traps, and tactics every buyer and seller should know.