Let's Talk About Realty

Chess and real estate may seem like distant worlds - one played on a 64-square board, the other navigated through plots, paperwork, and negotiations. But every now and then, the two intersect in ways that surprise me. This week, while playing a slow-burn game in the Caro-Kann Defense, I was reminded of a powerful real estate principle:  Patience is not passive - it's calculated positioning . ♟ The Caro-Kann Setup: A Mirror to Strategy In my ongoing match (yes, still "unterminated" as I write this), I was playing Black and chose the Caro-Kann - a solid, defensive opening that trades early aggression for long-term structure. It’s not flashy, but it’s reliable. After 17 moves, I found myself slightly behind in development, but holding a solid structure. My opponent had more space, more activity, but also more potential weaknesses. The urge to react aggressively was strong, but I knew better.  Sometimes, you have to let your opponent overcommit and strike with precision late...

In the world of real estate, one truth stands tall: your network is your net worth. For many in Zimbabwe’s property market, this isn’t just a catchy phrase - it’s a business principle. Deals often close not just because of listings or social media ads, but because of relationships. In our local context, where trust, referrals, and personal recommendations carry weight, your success as a realtor hinges on who knows you, and what they say about you. The Real Power of Networking in Real Estate Networking is more than exchanging business cards or attending events. It’s about building trust, creating value, and staying top of mind. In Zimbabwe, where property buyers and sellers often rely on trusted referrals, being part of someone’s trusted circle can give you access to opportunities others don’t see. You can have the best listings or the strongest marketing campaigns, but if your name doesn’t come up in conversations among serious buyers or investors, you're likely missing out....

Buying property in Zimbabwe can be one of the most rewarding financial decisions you make -but it also comes with risks. Every week, I come across stories of buyers who were duped into purchasing land that either didn’t belong to the seller or was riddled with legal complications. The truth is, whether you’re eyeing a stand in Ruwa, a home in Chitungwiza, or a commercial lot in Harare, proper due diligence is not optional. In this post, I’m giving you a practical, Zimbabwe-specific due diligence checklist you should follow before committing to any real estate transaction. Use this list like your personal shield - it might just save your money, your peace of mind, and your future wealth. The Due Diligence Checklist 1. Verify the Title Deed Ask for the original title deed and verify it at the Deeds Registry or through a registered conveyancer. Ensure: The seller is the registered owner. There are no caveats or double allocations. The property isn’t mor...

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...

Buying property in Zimbabwe can be a powerful way to build wealth—but it can also be risky if approached without care. Many investors, especially first-timers, make costly mistakes that could have been avoided with the right information and guidance. In this article, I highlight the most common pitfalls Zimbabwean investors face when buying property—and share practical ways to avoid them. 1. Skipping Proper Due Diligence One of the biggest mistakes is failing to do thorough background checks. Many investors trust what they’re told by agents or sellers without verifying the information. Common issues include: Buying land that’s not titled Discovering after purchase that the property is under dispute Purchasing from someone who is not the legal owner ✅ How to avoid it: Always request and verify the title deed (with the Deeds Office or local council) Conduct a search to confirm ownership and encumbrances Hire a trusted conveyancer to guide the process 2. Igno...

Investing in real estate is often hailed as one of the safest and most rewarding paths to financial freedom. But in Zimbabwe, where the market is filled with both opportunity and risk, knowing how to evaluate a good investment is critical. In this post, I’ll walk you through practical factors to help you identify real opportunities and avoid costly mistakes. 🔍 1. Title Deeds and Legal Clarity The first and most critical step in evaluating any property is conducting due diligence on ownership . A good investment should come with: Clean, verifiable title deeds Proper land use rights and allocations Full documentation from authorities such as the local council or the Ministry of Lands 🚩 Red Flag: Avoid properties labeled “awaiting regularisation” or “under consolidation” unless you're fully informed of the risks involved. 📍 2. Location, Location, Location In Zimbabwe, the property’s location largely determines its value and future appreciation. Ask yourself: ...

Real estate remains one of the most resilient and profitable investment avenues in Zimbabwe—especially for those looking to hedge against inflation or generate passive income. However, even the most promising investment can go wrong if you make avoidable mistakes. Whether you’re a first-time buyer or a seasoned investor, being aware of these common errors can help you make informed decisions and protect your capital. 1. Skipping Thorough Due Diligence Due diligence is the foundation of any sound real estate investment, yet it’s often overlooked in Zimbabwe where informal transactions are still common. Investors sometimes rush into deals based on the word of a friend, agent, or seller - without verifying key details. ✅ What You Should Do: Confirm ownership through the Deeds Office to ensure the seller has legal title to the property. Ask for the title deed or lease agreement. Investigate council records to ensure the property is not under dispute or part of a government dev...

 We’ve all heard the phrase “invest in property” — some of us have even said it ourselves. But what does it truly mean to invest? At its core, investing is the process of allocating money or capital to assets with the expectation of generating income or increasing value over time. Among the many asset classes available, property remains one of the most sought-after — and for good reason. It offers the potential for steady income, long-term appreciation, and tangible value. But in a market like Zimbabwe’s, where economic and legal complexities abound, how do you invest in property without setting yourself up for regret? This blog post will explore key principles and practical steps to help you approach property investment wisely — and avoid the costly mistakes that too often come with inexperience or haste. 1. Start With a Clear Investment Goal Before putting any money into property, define your objectives. Are you looking for rental income, long-term capital appreciation, or ...

  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. 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 ...