Zimbabwe's Ministry of National Housing and Social Amenities has explained how you can buy a house in the country. The steps change based on who sells the property - it might be a person, local government, business, or national government. Everyone needs to know these basic steps before they start looking for their next home.
When you want to buy a house, first make sure the seller actually has title deeds in their name. Ask to see the architectural plans, engineering drawings, and check if the local authorities approved these plans. Look carefully at where the house is located, what price they're asking, and how you'll need to pay for it.
The next important step involves checking legal details. Head to the Deeds Registry Office and request a copy of the title deed. This helps confirm who really owns the place and shows if the property has any problems like mortgages or legal disputes. For properties without deeds, you'll need to talk with local council or government offices depending on the land type.
After finding your dream home, sit down with the seller to discuss money matters. Talk about the price and how you'll structure payments. Having a lawyer or real estate agent help with these talks makes everything smoother. They'll also prepare an official Agreement of Sale that both you and the seller must sign.
The seller has tax responsibilities before moving forward. They need to get a Tax Clearance Certificate from Zimbabwe Revenue Authority proving they've paid all property taxes. Then their lawyer prepares transfer documents for the Deeds Registry Office. You'll pay stamp duty based on the property's value, and afterward, you'll receive a new title deed with your name.
The final step happens after completing all payments and paperwork. The seller gives you the keys and official possession of the property. Don't forget to update all utility accounts including water, electricity, and rates to show you as the new owner. Following these steps carefully helps avoid problems later.
When you want to buy a house, first make sure the seller actually has title deeds in their name. Ask to see the architectural plans, engineering drawings, and check if the local authorities approved these plans. Look carefully at where the house is located, what price they're asking, and how you'll need to pay for it.
The next important step involves checking legal details. Head to the Deeds Registry Office and request a copy of the title deed. This helps confirm who really owns the place and shows if the property has any problems like mortgages or legal disputes. For properties without deeds, you'll need to talk with local council or government offices depending on the land type.
After finding your dream home, sit down with the seller to discuss money matters. Talk about the price and how you'll structure payments. Having a lawyer or real estate agent help with these talks makes everything smoother. They'll also prepare an official Agreement of Sale that both you and the seller must sign.
The seller has tax responsibilities before moving forward. They need to get a Tax Clearance Certificate from Zimbabwe Revenue Authority proving they've paid all property taxes. Then their lawyer prepares transfer documents for the Deeds Registry Office. You'll pay stamp duty based on the property's value, and afterward, you'll receive a new title deed with your name.
The final step happens after completing all payments and paperwork. The seller gives you the keys and official possession of the property. Don't forget to update all utility accounts including water, electricity, and rates to show you as the new owner. Following these steps carefully helps avoid problems later.