The purchase price is not the only number
A property can look affordable until unpaid rates, water, levies, penalties, association fees, or service reconnection costs appear. Buyers should understand who is responsible for clearing arrears and when proof must be provided.
Ask for balances before signing
- Council rates and water statement.
- ZESA meter status and any debt attached to the account or meter.
- Body corporate or residents association levies.
- Security, borehole, refuse, or shared-service contributions.
- Any penalties, reconnection fees, or historic disputes.
Put responsibility in writing
The agreement of sale should state which party pays arrears, transfer costs, agent fees, rates clearance costs, and occupation-related bills. It should also state what happens if hidden debts are discovered before completion.
| Risk | Practical protection |
|---|---|
| Old arrears | Request current statements and written allocation of responsibility. |
| Occupation before transfer | Agree rent, utilities, maintenance, and risk during occupation. |
| Disconnected services | Confirm reconnection steps and costs. |
| Shared levies | Ask the association or body corporate for written status where applicable. |
In simple words
The main point is simple: do not rush a property decision because someone is putting pressure on you. Check the person, check the place, check the documents, and make sure the money trail is clear.
What this means on the ground in Zimbabwe
Property decisions here are usually practical, family-involving, and money-sensitive. A useful article should help you know what to ask next, what proof to request, and where a deal can go wrong before you put cash down.
- Slow down before paying a large deposit, even when the property looks like a bargain.
- Compare the asking price with similar homes in the same suburb, condition, services, and ownership route.
- Check ownership documents, rates, boundaries, approved plans, and seller authority before signing.
Example
If a family is buying a stand or house in Bulawayo, Gweru, Mutare or Harare, they should verify ownership, rates, boundaries and seller authority before paying a large deposit.
Download buyer due diligence checklistCommon reader questions
Can I rely on a verbal agreement?
For small discussions, maybe. For rent, deposits, sales, repairs, or occupation dates, write it down. A clear message, signed form, or lease is easier to defend than memory.
What should I do if I am not sure?
Ask for proof, compare with similar properties, speak to someone experienced, and pause before paying. A serious person should be able to answer simple questions clearly.
Ask HouseLink
Have a real property question from Harare, Bulawayo, Gweru, Mutare, Masvingo, Victoria Falls, or another Zimbabwean town? Use the comments to share it. Good reader questions can become future Ask HouseLink articles.
Plain advice
If you cannot explain the deal in simple words, you probably need more information. Ask again, write it down, and get help before signing or paying.
Author
HouseLink Editorial Team
Property resources team
Practical property guidance from the HouseLink Zimbabwe team.
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