PROPERTY

AUG/SEPT 2021

NEWS
BUYING GUIDE|LOCATION | LEGAL |FINANCE

THE WISE
OWL
SCHOOL
A MODERN TRADITIONAL
STYLE, WELL BUILT UP
SUBURB
SCHOOL.
REVIEW:
MT PLEASANT

HOUSEHOLD
INSURANCE
WHEN MOVING

PRODUCED BY
KEY REASONS
WHY CREDIT
APPLICATIONS
ARE DECLINED
 PROPERTY
NEWS

TABLE OF
A
CONTENTS
PERSONAL
TOUCH
Suburb Review- Mt Pleasant • . P6

EDITOR'S NOTE Household insurance When Moving • .P10

P
The Wise Owl Group of Schools •

.P14

roperty marketing has been taken to a whole new level in the changing
environment of the past several months. With in-person aspects of the process Tiles That Step Outside of the

diminished, the emphasis has necessarily shifted to greater dependence than Norm • P. 12
ever on technology. And the options are really evolving, to great benefit for the
Key Reasons Why Credit
properties and the teams that manage them. But leasing and selling still require a
human touch. Take, for example, the outreach effort. Applications are Declined• P. 27

The Making of a Home Part 5

It’s become easier to more specifically target social media and email campaigns
to locate the best prospects. But without human follow-up, even with all the • P. 22

subject-line testing and data measurement in the world, you’re dependent on the
prospective resident to decide if you stand out from all the other emails they’re PUBLISHER
receiving—which have also no doubt undergone plenty of similar testing. Nor are
Exclusive Media (Pvt) Ltd
depictions of beautiful amenities a competitive advantage. While they’re
important to have, sparkling pools and spacious storerooms are pretty widely UK Distribution by Homes & Styles Magazine
included these days, and they won’t be enough to get you to the finish line. Newsstand Magazine - www.newsstand.co.uk
UK office contacts -Agnes Zengeya on
What’s equally important is customer service. Personal touches can be email:editor@homesnstyles.com
differentiators. So while targeted emails are effective, a follow-up call or even a
direct follow-up email or messaged response to a social media “like” will
MANAGING EDITOR ShaanaPuwai
personalize the process and differentiate your property.
OPERATIONS DIRECTOR Takunda Rusere

But I digress. Our August/September issue features a new school SALES & MARKETING EXECUTIVE
development, The Wise Owl School in Westgate, designed aesthetically H&S SALES
to create a comfortable learning environment for pupils. This issue is DIGITAL MARKETING H&S Media
packed with engaging stories, some of which highlight key areas in CONTRIBUTORS
finance such as household insurance and why credit loans are declined- IDG | Takunda Rusere |
handy insights are provided to guide you through. PHOTOGRAPHERS
H&S Media
We also shine a light on everything you need to know about architecture in our DESIGN & LAYOUT
architectural inspirational segment, featuring advice from Ben Kunaka from
H&S Design
Invctvs Design Group (IDG).
EXCLUSIVE MEDIA CONTACTS

Read our feature story on a suburb that has evolved and transformed the face of Call:+263 773263456/+263 773 226 301
Harare North, getting a glimpse of the developments happening in that area. This Email:sales@homesnstyles.com
story highlights the diversity of areas in every facet, from architecture, multi- editor@homesnstyles.com
culture, commerce and much more… Facebook Page:Homes & Styles Zimbabwe
Magazine
Another great feature? We feature Essential Tiles, a company offering wall and
Website:www.homesnstyles.com
flooring products that are just not the norm that will definitely bring your
project. Read on to find out more.
TERMS & CONDITIONS
All rights reserved. Reproduction in part or in whole of this publication without
written permission is prohibited. The Editor welcomes contributions which, if
accepted at our normal rates and all rights (unless initially specifed otherwise)

Happy Reading, Takunda Rusere remain with the publisher. Integrated Marketing Private Limited is not liable for
any damages that arise from any advertisement placed in this publication by the
advertisers. The advertiser is liable for all damages that are caused either by the
advertisement or listings and relieves Exclusive Media
18
SURBURB REVIEW
SPONSORED BY LAFARGE
SUBURB REVIEW:
MT PLEASANT
Mount Pleasant is a residential suburb of
Harare, Zimbabwe, located in the northern part
of the city. Originally a farm, the area was
developed for housing in the early 20th-century
and was a white suburb until Zimbabwe's
independence in 1980. Today, Mount Pleasant is
a multiracial community and is one of Harare's
more affluent suburbs.
Mount Pleasant contains a number of shopping
centres and businesses. The suburb is home to
three secondary schools and five primary
schools. The University of Zimbabwe, the oldest
and top-ranked university in Zimbabwe, is
located in Mount Pleasant, as are Zimbabwe
Open University and Arrupe Jesuit University.
There are two athletic clubs in Mount Pleasant,
the Old Georgians Sports Club and Mount
Pleasant Sports Club.
Location & Transport
Mount Pleasant is located in the northern part of
Harare and is bordered by the Vainona, Pomona,
Emerald Hill, Belgravia, and Marlborough
suburbs. Stately homes have been built in the
area in various styles, including Beaux-Arts
architecture, Edwardian, Cape Dutch and more
modern styles. Along with their homes, the
university added much to the vibrancy of the
neighbourhood, with bookstores, cafes,
restaurants and other amenities creating a
bohemian, academic atmosphere, distinguishing
it from the quieter suburban enclaves of wealthy
families to its North East and the gritty CBD.
Other than the homes, landmarks include the
Arundel Village and the campus of the University
of Zimbabwe. The Mount Pleasant branch of the
Harare Library serves the greater area.
HOMES & STYLES PROPERTY NEWS| 6
 H&S PROPERTY NEWS
The neighbourhood is well preserved and maintained,
however, some of the historic homes have been torn
down, renovated into businesses, or transferred to
institutional use. The northern part of the neighbourhood
is dominated by the University of Zimbabwe.
Zimbabweans of various ethnicities form a majority of the
population.
Economy
Mount Pleasant also contains a number of office parks
and shopping centres, notably Arundel Office Park,
Arundel Village Shopping Centre, The Bridge Shopping
Centre, Bond Shopping Centre and Pendennis Shopping
Centre. The Zimbabwe School Examinations Council is
also headquartered in Mount Pleasant. It also houses the
Agriculture and Research Trust (ART) Farm, which
engages in research and development of agricultural
practices. Mount Pleasant Business Park is home to a
number of businesses, including the headquarters of the
Postal and Telecommunications Regulatory Authority of
Zimbabwe.
Education
Mount Pleasant is home to three universities, three
secondary schools, and five primary schools, including
both public and private educational institutions. Mount
Pleasant's public schools are within the North Central
District of Harare Province.[9] Mount Pleasant has two
public primary schools, North Park Primary School and
Groombridge Primary School. The private schools in
Mount Pleasant are Correspondence School, Goldbrook
Junior College, and Northwood Adventist Primary School,
a Seventh-day Adventist Church-affiliated school.
Northwood, which opened in 2014
Mount Pleasant is served by one public high school,
Mount Pleasant School. There are two private secondary
schools in Mount Pleasant: Arundel School, a boarding
and day school for girls ages 12–18, and Harare
International School, a coeducational day school for
students grades Pre-K–12.
19
The Arundel Village
the neighborhood is well preserved
and maintained, however some of the
historic homes have been torn down,
renovated into businesses, or
transferred to institutional use.
The main campus of the University of Zimbabwe, the
oldest and top-ranked university in Zimbabwe, is
located at the southern edge of the suburb. Zimbabwe
Open University, a distance education institution and
the largest university by enrollment in Zimbabwe, is
based in Mount Pleasant. Mount Pleasant is also home
to Arrupe Jesuit University, one of two Catholic
universities in Zimbabwe and one of only two Jesuit
universities in Africa.
Lifestyle
Mount Pleasant is one of Harare's more racially diverse
neighbourhoods. Since the 1980s Mount Pleasant had
developed into a neighbourhood fairly integrated
among economic classes and races, albeit with the
price of housing rising the further north one travels.
Beginning in the mid-twentieth century, Mount
Pleasant could boast of numerous prominent residents,
many of whom were affiliated with the University of
Zimbabwe.
Mount Pleasant's location as the academic and
intellectual centre of Harare as well as its large
population of well-to-do residents have made it an
important cultural and bohemian hub of the city. Bond
Street offers numerous restaurants, bakeries and cafes,
along with small grocery stores, hairstylists, and dry
cleaners, which add much to the vibrancy of the area.
HOMES & STYLES PROPERTY NEWS| 7
 H&S PROPERTY NEWS
MOUNT PLEASANT HEIGHTS-
DEVELOPMENT
18

Developments- Mt Pleasant
Heights
Mount Pleasant Heights is a newer neighborhood
of mostly family homes in the far north of Mount
Pleasant to the north and northwest of Harare.
The Heights neighborhood is an enclave of
residential homes, trees and undeveloped
parkland. The neighborhood borders Mount
Pleasant proper, and is bounded by the A11
motorway to the west, Ashbrittle to the
southwest, and Vainona and Borrowdale to the
southeast.

Mount Pleasant Heights was initially entirely

residential, with no commercial zoning, and
single family and rambler houses on very large
parcels. The neighborhood is suburban, separated
from the roar of life in the nation's capital.

Today the area remains quite suburban, and

largely characterised by detached and larger
properties, unlike the more dense south, and
small neighbourhood businesses and commercial
areas to service the growing population. There
are also swaths of park land cutting through the
neighborhood, such as Wingate Park.

The area is part of the Mount Pleasant

A development in Mt Pleasant heights.
Images coutesy of @shonahome
Association and residents consider themselves
residents of Mount Pleasant. The neighbourhood
is known for its abundance of trees, green space
and proximity to Wingate Park Golf Club. Heights
students are zoned to Montrose Primary School
with many going on to attend high school in
Mount Pleasant and Emerald Hill.

HOMES & STYLES PROPERTY NEWS| 8

 H&S PROPERTY NEWS

HOUSEHOLD
INSURANCE WHEN
MOVING
By Staff Writer
For most people, moving house is a stressful experience. There is so much to do and usually not enough
time to do everything before the removal van arrives. In this situation, it is easy to overlook important
details – like the need to insure your belongings while they are in transit from your existing home to
your new home.

Existing cover
If you already have a household contents insurance policy, you should be able to add the cover for
protecting your belongings while in transit. Some insurers only require details of the date of the move
and the new address and don’t charge extra for this cover. Other insurers may charge an additional
once-off fee for including household goods in transit cover in your standard policy.

If your household contents are not already insured, there are other insurance options you can consider.
However, make a note to at least consider taking out household contents cover once you settle in your
new home. This type of insurance is relatively inexpensive and will give you peace of mind in the event
of possible future disasters, such as fire or theft.

Before the move

Moving house is a good opportunity to get rid of all the items you no longer need or want. Do this
before you move – don’t take the clutter with you. Remember that the more items there are to be
moved, the higher their moving cost.
To make sure that your household contents remain covered throughout your move:
• Make a list of all the items to be moved.
• Notify your insurer of any changes so that your insurance premiums will accurately reflect the value
of the contents.

Other options
If you are employing professional movers for your move, the quote from the removal company will
almost certainly contain a charge for cover for goods in transit.

HOMES & STYLES PROPERTY NEWS| 10

 H&S PROPERTY NEWS

Article
This cover is not always included, particularly
with smaller removal companies. It is also
And, whichever option you choose, make sure
the household contents in transit are insured
usually more expensive than cover that is part at the correct value. You want to be able to
of a standard household contents policy. replace all your goods being transported if
Before choosing an option, you need to anything does go wrong. If you are under-
compare costs, specific details of the cover insured your insurer will only admit part of the
offered, and benefits. If family and friends are claim. If you are over-insured, your premiums
helping you to move to save costs, keep in mind will be higher than they should.
that insurers usually only cover loss or damage
to your household goods in the case of vehicle
collisions.
Before choosing an option, you
Claims need to compare costs, specific
When you unpack, take note of any damages
caused by the movers. Make sure you submit
details of the cover offered, and
any claims for damages before the deadline benefits.
stipulated in the policy.
HOMES & STYLES PROPERTY NEWS| 10
1
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The Wise Owl

Group of Schools
A Modern Traditional Style, well built up school
designed to stimulate and support student interactive
learning, Westgate Area.

HOMES & STYLES PROPERTY NEWS| 14

 H&S PROPERTY NEWS
The School was started in the early
90s as an early learning centre in
Marondera, this was followed by the
primary school in the year 2009 and
the senior school followed
thereafter. The pioneers of the
establishment Mr T. and Mrs R.
Makirimani are both seasoned, very
dedicated and passionate teachers.
The school prides on offering
world-class education, the
environment and infrastructure
stimulate and support high-quality
learning.
Wise Owl -Westgate is strategically
located in the Westgate area, an
outer-city suburb about 13 km
North – West of Harare’s CBD. The
Westgate area is becoming one of
the most sought–after by
professionals and families due to
the proximity of the new Parliament
in Mt. Hampden, The Mall and quite
a few workplaces close by. There is
hence an increasing need for
schools and other social facilities
around the area.
Design of the School
The Principal Agents, Troika
Designs created a very unique
and user-friendly model in
collaboration with the
proprietors of the school. The
overall design is mixed modern
and traditional, some of the
features include courtyards,
covered walkways, covered
verandas which help keep
classrooms cool in summer. The
classroom buildings have been
kept all on one level for the
safety of the students, windows
are set quite high to avoid
students from being distracted
from activities outside.
The project was successfully
constructed by Paul Jones
Construction Firm, which did
the general construction and
project management.
HOMES
Most of the material used was
supplied by local reputable
suppliers, the classrooms blocks
are built of low maintenance
face-brick, trendy chromadec
roof by Africa Steel, with user-
friendly and low maintenance
doors and windows made of
black aluminium, durable tiles,
easy to clean and maintain ideal
for high traffic areas were
supplied by a modern and
dynamic tiling company Tile
essentials.
Breathtaking exterior
landscaping with beautiful views
of palms was supplied by
Pleasure in Palms which make
the learning environment very
conducive and refreshing,
stimulates and supports high
quality and an ideal setting for
the learner.
& STYLES PROPERTY NEWS| 15
HOMES & STYLES PROPERTY NEWS| 16
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Event Highlights:
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• IAZ as the custodian or gatekeeper for Standards, Quality and Aesthetics

• Importance of benchmarking on Best Practices
• Trends in the Architectural Aluminium Industry
• Short Comings in the fragmented Aluminium Industry in Zimbabwe).
• Treger Group’s Commitment to Standards & Quality Products to the Construction Industry
HOMES & STYLES PROPERTY NEWS| 13
H&S PROPERTY NEWS
THE ULTIMATE TILE CENTRE
TILES
THAT STEP
OUTSIDE OF
THE NORM
The homes we live in are our personal spaces, and the rooms
we inhabit play a huge role in our day-to-day life.
This means you need these spaces to feel like your own.
Having a home that feels bland and generic to us is no good
for our wellbeing.
The ideal floor tile should combine
a great aesthetic style with
practicality and durability. Different
rooms and areas of your home call
for different looks and colours, so
at Tile Essential, we’ve tried to be
broad, flexible and helpful when it
comes to what we offer our
customers from a floor tile
perspective.
Within our selection, you will find a
series of beautiful bathroom floor
tiles that will transform the whole
look of a room. These are designed
to be hardwearing and able to deal
with what you or your family throw
at them. Our selection is equally
stylish, with a host of
contemporary stone tile,
porcelain tiles and wood effect
tiles that can meet your needs with
ease.
Here at Tile Essential we also have
a range of exquisite kitchen floor
tiles that really help to bring
together the entire feel of the room.
More and more kitchens are now
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HOMES & STYLES
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homeowners are looking to create.
Choose from sophisticated polished
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Other options within our range include
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Tile Essentials are also agents for
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PROPERTY NEWS| 19
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PASSIONS...

RESIDENTIAL &
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H&S PROPERTY NEWS

HOMES & STYLES PROPERTY NEWS| 22

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KEY REASONS WHY CREDIT
APPLICATIONS ARE DECLINED
BY STAFF WRITER
Credit providers are required to carry out
rigorous checks on consumers applying for
credit. This is to promote the responsible
granting and use of credit and to prohibit
reckless credit granting.
When you apply for a home loan, lenders are
required to examine your credit record in
detail, to determine whether or not it would be
responsible to lend you the sum you have
applied for.
In certain instances, the bank may approve a
loan for a lesser amount, which may be subject
to certain conditions, such as a higher required
deposit.
Reasons for declined applications
There are many reasons why applications for
credit are declined. The most common grounds
for being denied credit are:
• You have a limited credit history: Banks may be
reluctant to lend to you if you’ve never had credit
before or if you don’t have enough experience with
credit. Lenders want to see a solid track record of
borrowing and repaying loans. When you apply for a
loan they look at your borrowing history listed on
your credit reports at credit bureaus.
• Your earnings are too low: Lenders want to see
that you’re able to make the minimum monthly
payments before they approve your loan. Most
lenders use a debt to income ratio to see if you can
make the payments if your loan is approved. They
compare your monthly earnings to how much you
spend on debt repayment. If they think you can’t
afford the new debt, your application will be
rejected.
• You have a recent judgment or other legal notice
against your name: Serious delinquencies are a sign
to lenders that either you don’t have enough money
to meet your financial obligations, or you are a
deliberate defaulter.
HOMES & STYLES PROPERTY NEWS| 27
H&S PROPERTY NEWS

Lenders want to see that you’re

able to make the minimum
monthly payments before they
approve your loan.

• You have negative or adverse information against your name at any of the credit bureaus.
This could include late payments or defaults.

Other possibilities
• Sometimes mortgage loans aren’t granted because the bank values the property you want to
buy at less than the loan amount you are applying for.

• The balances on your existing loans may be too high.

• Your credit card balances may be too high.
• Your credit card limits may be too high. Some lenders may see this as a red flag, even if you
haven’t used all your available credit.

• You may have too many enquiries on your credit report. This could happen when you apply
for several credit cards and loans within a short period of time. Even if some of these credit
cards and loans have been granted, the lender who turns down your application may be
concerned that you won’t be able to cope with more debt. Unfortunately, there’s no set number
of inquiries that will prevent your application from being approved, so it’s not possible to know
where to draw the line.

• You may have left out essential information on your application, like your date of birth or
residential address.
• Difficulty in verifying your information. If you have recently moved or changed jobs and
haven’t notified your creditors, the lender you are approaching for credit won’t be able to
verify the information you provide.
• You have an unstable work record. If you’ve often changed jobs and have been unemployed
at times, you may have difficulty getting approval.

The criteria employed by lenders can sometimes even result in applications by apparently
creditworthy consumers being turned down. If your application for credit is denied, always ask
the credit provider for detailed reasons so that you can set things right.

HOMES & STYLES PROPERTY NEWS| 28