ZBCA pushes for property developers Bill
CLOUDINE MATOLA AND SAMANTHA MADE
The Zimbabwe Building Contractors Association (ZBCA) is pushing for the urgent enactment of a property developers bill to curb escalating corruption and malpractice in Zimbabwe’s real estate industry, which contributes between 10% and 15% of the country’s gross domestic product (GDP).
Speaking on the sidelines of the Zimbabwe Real Estate Public Lecture held this week in the capital Harare, ZBCA president Tinashe Manzungu said the bill would provide critical safeguards for all stakeholders—including buyers, sellers, land developers, and regulatory authorities.
“We are advocating for a property developers bill to bring order to the built environment. This legislation would regulate property developers and ensure that buyers, sellers, and developers are protected from exploitation. It would also provide accountability mechanisms for institutions like the Deeds Registry and city councils, which at times contribute to disputes and irregularities,” Manzungu told Business Times.
He stressed that in many instances, when city councils or other authorities make mistakes, it is the end-user or property buyer who ultimately suffers the consequences.
“To protect the entire value chain—from developers to consumers—we need a legal framework that establishes clear responsibilities and recourse mechanisms,” Manzungu added.
He also highlighted the urgent need for a reliable and efficient digital system that enhances transparency in real estate transactions. While some digital platforms already exist, Manzungu said their current inefficiencies allow corruption to thrive.
“Real estate contributes significantly to Zimbabwe’s GDP, yet it remains a hotspot for corruption. What’s worse is that some of the very institutions meant to uphold standards—like the Deeds Registry, city councils, and conveyancers—are reportedly involved in questionable activities,” he said.
“While we cannot entirely eradicate corruption—because it’s a global problem—we can significantly reduce its impact through transparent digital systems. We need an online platform that is user-friendly and accessible to all parties involved in property transactions, be it buyers, sellers, or developers. The system must be fast, reliable, and efficient.”
Manzungu also pointed out that the lack of accessible capital funding from banks has forced many Zimbabweans into informal property schemes, which are often riddled with fraud.
“Although we already have laws regulating conveyancers and real estate practitioners, most people cannot access formal property financing due to the unavailability of capital in the market. This forces them into informal arrangements—like online property sales, ‘buy-and-develop’ schemes, land cooperatives, and other unregulated initiatives,” he said.
“These schemes, while seemingly viable, expose buyers to enormous risks. Currently, over 75% of people buying property are entering such schemes simply because banks are not offering affordable home loans. As a result, these informal platforms have become breeding grounds for corruption.”
Manzungu urged government and stakeholders in the built environment to treat the proposed property developers bill as a national priority, arguing that it would restore confidence in the sector and stimulate broader economic growth.
“A clean, transparent, and well-regulated property sector benefits not only individuals but the economy at large. We must move quickly to close legal loopholes and ensure integrity across the board,” he said.
The call comes amid a growing number of real estate fraud cases, including double sales of properties, disputed ownership claims, and delays in processing title deeds—many of which have been linked to corrupt practices within regulatory bodies and informal schemes.
With real estate playing such a vital role in Zimbabwe’s economy and urban development, the ZBCA believes a robust legislative and digital infrastructure is essential for restoring trust and order in the sector.
