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How to Evaluate a Good Real Estate Investment in Zimbabwe

The Zimbabwean property market is full of lessons, many of which only reveal themselves after a costly mistake. A few years ago, I watched someone buy a property in a high-density suburb at a seemingly unbeatable price. He thought it was a bargain. A year later, the area experienced a surge in crime, local council services collapsed, and his “investment” started draining him financially and emotionally.

This is not a unique story. Every month, someone walks into an office or responds to an advert, falls in love with a property, and commits without proper due diligence. Why? Because in our market, the pressure to "buy before it's too late" often outweighs the discipline to stop and evaluate.

The solution may sound simple but it is the only way to make a safe investment: proper evaluation.

Yes, before you buy the house, the stand, or the commercial unit, you must do your homework. It’s not glamorous, and it’s not fast, but it's essential. If resilience is the quality we seek in an investment, then due diligence is the path that leads us there.

Here’s how to evaluate a real estate investment in Zimbabwe the right way:

1. Look Beyond the Obvious When Assessing Location

It’s tempting to think "low-density = good" or "CBD proximity = guaranteed demand." But those assumptions can mislead you.

Ask deeper questions:

  • Is the area seeing growth or stagnation?

  • Are there upcoming government or private sector projects nearby?

  • What’s the water, electricity, and roads situation?

  • Is the area prone to political unrest or seasonal flooding?

The right location isn’t just convenient—it’s future-proof.

2. Know the Market Demand

A house in Mt Pleasant might seem like a no-brainer, but have you checked current rental yields? Have you spoken to letting agents about demand in the area?

Evaluate:

  • Current occupancy rates

  • Rental trends for similar properties

  • Tenant preferences (Are tenants looking for 2 beds or 3 beds? Are they demanding solar and boreholes?)

If the property doesn’t meet market needs, your returns will suffer.

3. Legal Standing is Everything

Many people are sitting on land they paid for years ago but can’t develop or resell because of legal complications.

Before you buy:

  • Verify the title deed or agreement of sale

  • Use a registered conveyancer to check for encumbrances or disputes

  • Confirm if the land is council, state, or private and whether it's fully serviced

Never trust word of mouth or handshake deals when it comes to land in Zimbabwe. Paperwork protects your money.

4. Inspect for Hidden Costs

Sometimes the property price is only the beginning. What will it cost to renovate it into a livable, rentable, or saleable condition?

Look for:

  • Structural defects (roofing, foundation, cracks)

  • Plumbing and electrical issues

  • Outdated finishes that tenants or buyers will reject

Budget realistically for repairs. A $10,000 “discount” can easily turn into $15,000 in renovation costs.

5. Consider Long-Term Appreciation

A good investment doesn’t just make sense today—it should still make sense five or ten years from now.

Ask:

  • Are there signs of future development in the area?

  • Is this property type becoming more or less desirable?

  • How has property value in this suburb performed over the last 5 years?

Think about growth corridors. Places like Ruwa, Gweru, Victoria Falls, and parts of Norton are seeing major interest—invest where the demand is heading.

Final Thought: Resilience is Built, Not Bought

A good real estate investment in Zimbabwe is not something you stumble upon by chance. It’s something you identify through research, verify through professionals, and nurture over time.

Don’t let fear of missing out lead you to buy blindly.

Evaluate wisely, invest patiently, and your property will stand strong through the toughest of economic storms.

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