Essential Institutions and Offices to Consult for Real Estate Due Diligence in Zimbabwe
Tafadzwa Mushaikwa
MSc Marketing | HBBS | MSc Journalism & Media Studies candidate | Expert at driving growth via innovative communication strategies with proven success in scaling brands.
Investing in real estate in Zimbabwe requires meticulous due diligence. Here are the key offices and institutions to consult to ensure a smooth and secure transaction.
Key Offices and Institutions for Real Estate Due Diligence
1. Law Society of Zimbabwe
Engaging a legal practitioner is essential in any real estate transaction. The Law Society of Zimbabwe monitors and regulates legal practitioners, ensuring you deal with qualified professionals. They can assist with conveyancing, drafting notarial deeds, verifying identity documents, and more.
Contact Information:
5th Floor, Law Society House,
46 Kwame Nkrumah Avenue, Harare
2. Office of the Surveyor General
All legitimate private land and buildings in Zimbabwe must have cadastral data from the Surveyor General’s office. This data is crucial for verifying title deeds and property boundaries.
Contact Information:
Department of Surveyor General,
5th Floor, Trust Towers,
56 Samora Machel Avenue, Harare
3. Deeds Registry
The Deeds Registry holds records of all freehold interests in private land and buildings. By paying a nominal fee, you can access information on caveats, mortgage bonds, and sale agreements.
Contact Information:
Ground Floor, Century House,
38 Nelson Mandela Avenue, Harare
4. Companies Registry
If dealing with property owned by a company, verify details such as directors, company status, and legal standing through the Companies Registry.
Contact Information:
Ground Floor, Century House,
38 Nelson Mandela Avenue, Harare
5. Local Government House
For state land transactions, consult the Ministry of Local Government and Public Works. They manage the transfer of state land to private entities and oversee government buildings.
Contact Information:
Local Government House,
Makombe Building, Corner Leopold Takawira and Herbert Chitepo Streets, Harare
6. Cleveland Building, City of Harare (Department of Works)
Verify subdivision permits and certificates of compliance for developments within Harare at the Cleveland Building.
Contact Information:
Corner Speke Avenue and Leopold Takawira Street,
92 Leopold Takawira Street, Harare
7. Civil Registry Department
To authenticate identity documents of potential sellers, the Civil Registry Department is essential.
Contact Information:
Makombe Building, Corner Herbert Chitepo Avenue and Leopold Takawira Street, Harare
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8. Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development
For rural and agricultural land, obtain a certificate of no present interest from this ministry before purchasing.
Contact Information:
Ngungunyana Building,
1 Borrowdale Road, Harare
9. Office of the Master of High Court
Verify the credentials and letters of administration of executors in deceased estate sales.
Contact Information:
Corner Second Street and Herbert Chitepo Avenue, Harare
10. Ministry of Women Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises Development
For transactions involving housing co-operatives, ensure they are registered with this ministry.
Contact Information:
Office 129, Block 4, Makombe Building,
Herbert Chitepo Street, Harare
Professional Bodies and Institutions for Assistance
11. Estate Agents Council of Zimbabwe (E.A.C.Z)
The E.A.C.Z. registers and regulates estate agents, ensuring professional standards. They can help with due diligence or recommend reputable agents.
Contact Information:
18 McChlery Avenue, Harare
12. Real Estate Institute of Zimbabwe (R.E.I.Z)
R.E.I.Z. promotes high standards among real estate professionals. They provide guidance and support for due diligence.
Contact Information:
Office 17, Mon Repos Building,
South Wing, Newlands Shopping Center,
Enterprise Road, Harare
13. Valuers Council of Zimbabwe
This body registers and regulates property valuers. They can provide expert advice and support.
Contact Information:
Office Y122, Bay 3,
Zimbabwe National Sports Stadium, Harare
Consider consulting the Zimbabwe Republic Police Criminal Investigation Department (ZRP C.I.D) for background checks and the mortgage finance divisions of reputable banks for their due diligence expertise.
Contact Information:
Z.R.P C.I.D: Police General Headquarters, Corner 7th Street and Josiah Chinamano Avenue, Harare
Bankers Association of Zimbabwe: 14177 Gunhill Avenue, Gunhill, Harare
Real estate transactions in Zimbabwe involve significant sums and require careful due diligence. Consulting these key offices and professional bodies will help ensure a secure and successful investment.