LEAFIAS MAZVIRO
Buying a house or land should be exciting not a nightmare. But in Zimbabwe, property scams are everywhere. One wrong move, and you could lose your life savings to a fake title deed, a disputed inheritance, or a seller who doesn’t even own the land.
I’ve seen too many people lose money because they skipped due diligence—the legal detective work that protects you before you buy. Here’s how to do it right.
Step 1: Check the Title Deed (If It Exists)
What to Ask For:
- Certified copies of the Deed of Grant or Deed of Transfer
- The seller’s ID, passport, and driver’s license (yes, all three—scammers fake these every day)
What to Do Next:
- Visit the Surveyor General’s Office, get the real property description. Some “plots” don’t legally exist.
- Go to the Deeds Registry (IN PERSON!)
Ask:
“Is there a mortgage or caveat on this property?”
“Are there any court disputes?”
Red Flags:
- The owner is deceased, Check the Master’s Office for Letters of Administration and Consent to Sell. If the family is fighting, walk away.
- A minor owns the property. The High Court must approve the sale. If not, it’s illegal.
- There’s a tenant, they may have the right of first refusal. If you ignore this, they can sue to reverse the sale.
Step 2: What If it’s a Cession (Council or Developer Land)?
Some properties aren’t fully titled yet they’re sold through cession agreements (like council stands or new developments).
For Council Land:
- Get the original cession agreement from the seller.
- Go to the local council, confirm the land is legit and ask: “What’s needed to transfer this into my name?”
For Developer Land:
- Demand the subdivision permit, development permit, and certificate of compliance.
- Visit the developer’s office check their records. Many “developers” sell the same stand to 10 people.
- Check with the City Council fake compliance certificates are everywhere.
Step 3: Never Skip These Final Checks
- Visit the Property some “stands” are swamps or graveyards. Go see it yourself.
- Check for Court Cases, if the property is in dispute, you’ll inherit the legal war.
Buying property is the biggest financial decision most of us will ever make. Don’t rush. Don’t trust sweet-talking agents. And never hand over money without doing these checks. If it feels shady, it probably is. Walk away. A better and safer deal will come.
Need help? Consult a lawyer or property expert before signing anything. It’s cheaper than losing your money to a scam.
