The cheapest rent is not always the cheapest home
Monthly rent is only one part of affordability. A tenant should compare the full cost of living in that property, including services, commuting, upfront payments, and the cost of making the home functional.
| Cost | Questions to ask |
|---|---|
| Deposit | How much, refundable when, and under what deductions? |
| Utilities | ZESA, water, refuse, internet, security, and levies included or separate? |
| Transport | Daily commuting cost and reliability at your working hours? |
| Moving | Truck, helpers, packing materials, cleaning, and key replacement? |
| Setup | Curtains, gas, bulbs, locks, WiFi installation, minor repairs, or appliances? |
| Shared services | Borehole, generator, guard, gardener, or caretaker contribution? |
Move-in affordability rule
Before agreeing, calculate the cash needed in the first month and the monthly amount after moving in. If the first month drains all savings, even a good property can become stressful when an emergency bill appears.
Do not ignore commute cost
A cheaper rental far from work, school, or transport can cost more than a slightly higher rent in a better-connected area.
Author
HouseLink Editorial Team
Property resources team
Practical property guidance from the HouseLink Zimbabwe team.
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