Property checks matter a lot when buying real estate in Zimbabwe. Bad people have started tricking buyers more often these days. The scams happen whether you buy directly from owners or work with agents. You should always check everything before paying any money.
Always make sure your agent belongs to the Estate Agents Council of Zimbabwe first. Next, find out if the property comes with title deeds or just has cession rights. For properties with titles, visit the Deeds Office yourself. Look at who actually owns the place. Check for any loans, restrictions, or problems listed against that property.
A recent court case showed how serious this problem has become. The judge said property fraud has grown steadily for twenty years. Criminals keep selling houses they don't actually own. Even after news stories warn about these scams and police arrest some criminals, the tricks continue to increase each year.
The court seemed surprised at how easily people believed these criminals. Everyone falls for these scams - regular buyers, property owners, lawyers, and real estate agents. The professionals should protect clients from fraud since they know the business well. Instead, they sometimes become victims themselves despite their training and experience in property matters.
Always make sure your agent belongs to the Estate Agents Council of Zimbabwe first. Next, find out if the property comes with title deeds or just has cession rights. For properties with titles, visit the Deeds Office yourself. Look at who actually owns the place. Check for any loans, restrictions, or problems listed against that property.
A recent court case showed how serious this problem has become. The judge said property fraud has grown steadily for twenty years. Criminals keep selling houses they don't actually own. Even after news stories warn about these scams and police arrest some criminals, the tricks continue to increase each year.
The court seemed surprised at how easily people believed these criminals. Everyone falls for these scams - regular buyers, property owners, lawyers, and real estate agents. The professionals should protect clients from fraud since they know the business well. Instead, they sometimes become victims themselves despite their training and experience in property matters.
