PROPERTY

MAY 2021

NEWS
BUYING GUIDE|LOCATION | LEGAL |FINANCE

Would You Buy a 3D-Printed House?

Take a Peek Inside the First of Its
Kind to Hit the Real Estate Market

Get legal guidance to be

followed when buying a
property.

PRODUCED BY
 PROPERTY
NEWS

TABLE OF
WELCOME CONTENTS
TO OUR
Legal Tips to Buy a Property • . P5
MAY ISSUE
New Online Property

Market Launched • .P7

Lafarge Dry Mortar Mix

A
Commissioned • .P10

little look behind the scenes at H&S: Publishing our Westgate Renaissance • P. 12

magazine over the past year has been interesting, challenging,

rewarding, restorative, demanding, and sometimes just weird.
Home Staging for Agents &
People ask, “How do you do it every month? How much can
Developers in Zimbabwe • P. 16
there be to cover with so many things closed?” My first reaction
last March was similar: How do we put together a lifestyle
The Making of a Home Part 4
magazine when there’s no lifestyle?
• P. 18

I couldn’t have been more wrong. There’s no shortage of

wonderful stories to tell, and that’s true this year perhaps more PUBLISHER
than any other. I’m not sure we’ve ever had more engaging Exclusive Media (Pvt) Ltd
covers or more worthwhile subjects. The country’s creative UK Distribution by Homes & Styles Magazine
types cooked up ways to reinvent themselves, and the Newsstand Magazine - www.newsstand.co.uk
community shared a spirit of cooperation. We can’t gather with
UK office contacts -Agnes Zengeya on
hundreds of people in a theater for a live performance? Then
email:editor@homesnstyles.com
we’ll devise an outdoor venue with space between people for a
concert, event, or class. The gyms are all closed? We’ll work out
with fitness instructors in parks and in parking lots. And will we MANAGING EDITOR ShaanaPuwai
ever go to an office to work again? OPERATIONS DIRECTOR Takunda Rusere
SALES & MARKETING EXECUTIVE
This month’s cover story highlights innovations,, property
H&S SALES
buying tips, a suburb feature and architectural tips. We talk to
DIGITAL MARKETING H&S Media
an economist to see what’s in store for the rest of the year, and
zoom into new innovations by Lafarge. CONTRIBUTORS
IDG | Takunda Rusere
As we marked one year of pandemic life, there is much to PHOTOGRAPHERS
mourn: thousands of loved ones lost, businesses forced to close, H&S Media
economic devastation, and the longing for shared experiences.
DESIGN & LAYOUT
But there are reasons for hope. We have learned and innovated.
H&S Design
We rejoice in simple pleasures. We recognize the things we
cherish most about H&S, and how excited we will be to get back EXCLUSIVE MEDIA CONTACTS
to them. This month, we honor and celebrate it all. Call:+263 773263456/+263 773 226 301
Email:sales@homesnstyles.com
editor@homesnstyles.com
Happy reading,.. Facebook Page:Homes & Styles Zimbabwe
Magazine
Website:www.homesnstyles.com

TERMS & CONDITIONS

Takunda Rusere All rights reserved. Reproduction in part or in whole of this publication without
written permission is prohibited. The Editor welcomes contributions which, if
takunda@homesnstyles.com accepted at our normal rates and all rights (unless initially specifed otherwise)
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
 H&S PROPERTY NEWS

LEGAL TIPS
TO BUY A PROPERTY
By Batanai Perusah – Partner The title search is
Head of Corporate and Commercial Department
Honey & Blankenberg Legal Practitioners essential because
it reveals whether
the seller has the
1. What does a prospective buyer need There are other means of obtaining legal right to sell
to look out for when buying a property? rights to title and/or rights to the property.
occupation such as purchase of shares
Title Deeds: (particularly in the case of flats, where a
This is the legal document which shows companyowns the Title Deed and each
ownership. A buyer should always find out unit is allocated a certain number of
if the stand/property being bought has shares); or cession agreements (where A buyer should
title deeds which are already issued in the rights and obligations are transferred, always find out if the
name of the Seller. If there are no Deeds rather than ownership). In those cases, stand/property
because the land is under development, a the buyer should still request sight of the
buyer should confirm whether other title deed, but also the company being bought has
relevant documents (such as a subdivision documents (including share certificates), title deeds which are
permit and/or development permit) are or in the case of a cession, should have
already issued in the
in place, and what actions are still sight of the principal agreement and
required to be taken before a title deed should make sure that the Cedent has name of the Seller.
can be issued (known as compliance authority to cede his/her rights to the
requirements). This will assist in property.
determining when title will be handed
over.

HOMES & STYLES PROPERTY NEWS| 5

 H&S PROPERTY NEWS
Encumbrances:
A prospective purchaser should always
conduct a Deed Search to establish whether
the Title Deed is ‘clean’, that is, that there are
no bonds, servitudes or caveats registered
against the Deed which would either prevent
transfer or require to be cancelled before
transfer can take place.
Ownership:
We are seeing more and more Agreements of
Sale where developers or Estate Agents are
listed as the seller – even though they do not
own the property. An Agreement of Sale
should always be in the name of the owner,
although authority to sign the Agreement can
always be given to someone else through a
Special Power of Attorney or Resolution.
Vacant Possession:
Always find out whether there is a tenant in
the property, and make sure that the same is
dealt with in an Agreement of Sale. Who is
responsible for giving notice to the tenant?
What happens if they refuse to vacate the
property?
2. What is conveyancing when buying
property- fees associated and checks
involved?
Conveyancing is the process of effecting
transfer of ownership from the seller to the
purchaser.
Once all other requirements have been met
(such as payment of the purchase price;
payment of Capital Gains Tax – unless the
seller is exempt; and payment for rates
clearance), the conveyancer will receive the
old Title Deeds and will draw up new Title
Deeds in the name of the purchaser. These will
be lodged with the Registrar of Deeds. A copy
remains in the Registry, and another original
copy will be held by the buyer.
The costs associated with conveyancing are set out in a
conveyancing tariff and in statutory regulations. Transfer fees
are calculated as a percentage of the purchase price, presently
4%. In addition, stamp duty (which is a statutory fee) will be
payable, and is also calculated in accordance with the value of
the property. This fee is not a flat fee, but is calculated on a
sliding scale (e.g. 1% on the first US$5 000.00, 2% on the next
US$10 000 – US$20 000 and so on).
A registration fee will also be payable, and VAT of 14.5% on the
transfer fee will also be payable. The purchaser will therefore
have to pay transfer fees plus VAT, stamp duty and registration
fees.
3. Any opinion/advice which you will give to a prospective
home buyer from a legal perspective?
Whilst it may cost a little extra, it is always advisable to approach
a legal practitioner and have them draw up the Agreement of
Sale (or if the seller provides a draft Agreement, to review the
Agreement of Sale). This will avoid any issues arising further on
down the line, which could either de-rail the whole transaction,
or would result in additional costs being payable.
The method of payment of the purchase price must also be
clearly set out, and to be safe, the funds should be held by the
conveyancer until transfer of the property. Paying the seller
directly and up front can be very risky. If the purchase price is
being funded by a mortgage bond, the issue of timing needs to
be clearly set out. When will the mortgagor make payment? Will
it need to provide a letter of undertaking? If payment is being
made offshore, the parties will need to confirm whether or not
Exchange Control approval is required.
It is important to have an Agreement of Sale which deals with all
issues – particularly in regard to costs. It should be clear that the
seller should be responsible for the payment of Capital Gains
Tax, and that the buyer should be responsible for the payment of
conveyancing fees. There must be agreement as to which party
will be responsible for thepayment for rates clearance, and that
the seller should be up to date with the payment of all utilities. In
addition, it should be clear as to who is responsible for the
payment of Estate Agent’s commission – if any, and the costs of
drawing up the Agreement of Sale.
HOMES & STYLES PROPERTY NEWS| 6
 H&S PROPERTY NEWS
NEW ONLINE PROPERTY
MARKETPLACE LAUNCHED
By Patrick Muzondo
Director: Financial Markets Indaba
Email: patrick@fmiproperty.com
Website: www.fmiproperty.com
Mobile: +44 7392 461547, +27 83 563 5699
Financial Markets Indaba in partnership with West
Property Zimbabwe convened experts with vast
experience in residential property varying from
developers, banks, property design consultants,
mortgage providers as well as representation from
the City of Harare to discuss affordability, design
and security issues in buying and owning
apartments, houses and stands. The webinar
provided insights to show Zimbabweans both local
and in Diaspora, the safe and credible steps
towards owning their own homes or buying a
property for investment income purposes in
Zimbabwe. The conference also focused on
addressing all issues and concerns along the
housing value chain that potential buyers in the
Diaspora often come across: from accessing land
for off-plan development; issues of title and
associated legal and regulatory issues around home
purchase and ownership.
Pride of ownership is probably the number one
reason people enjoy owning their own homes. For
many people, owning a home represents stability,
independence and freedom.
The housing industry is closely tied to the economy
—when home sales are up, so are jobs. Together,
these complementary forces create a more stable
local, state and national economy. With home
ownership signifying so much, one needs to ensure
that a purchase decision is carefully analysed,
planned and executed.
The housing industry is closely tied to the economy—when
home sales are up, so are jobs. Together, these complementary
forces create a more stable local, state and national economy.
With home ownership signifying so much, one needs to ensure
that a purchase decision is carefully analysed, planned and
executed.
We have launched FMI Property, an online platform that
provides legit property developers and banks selling property
on mortgages. All you have to do is visit the website, identify
your stand or house of choice and start the online application
process. FMI property provides a service which is specifically
designed for Zimbabweans living abroad by providing them a
platform to have a safe, easy and convenient way to own
property back home. It’s an initiative to help Zimbabweans in
the diaspora to channel their savings towards owning a house
in Zimbabwe without the stress of becoming a victim of
fraudulent acts.
FMI property makes your search for a mortgage loan seamless
by bridging the communication gap between you and the
developers or banks which is one of the biggest problems faced
by Non-Resident Zimbabweans today. Our team together with
our partners consists of experts and professionals working to
expedite the mortgage loan process including providing the
relevant advisory services. Visit www.fmiproperty.com today
and begin your journey to home ownership in Zimbabwe.
Background
The Financial Markets Indaba is a series of investment conferences convened
under Indaba Africa an Emergent Research network of interactive conferences
that seeks to profile the investment potential Africa. Emergent Research is a unit
of Emergent Capital Management, an investment advisory firm registered in
South Africa and with SEC Zimbabwe. Emergent Capital provides capital raising,
advisory services, and research services for international funds, institutional
investors and private investors investing in Africa.
HOMES & STYLES PROPERTY NEWS|
H&S PROPERTY NEWS
THE LAFARGE DRY MORTAR MIX
PLANT OFFICIALLY COMMISSIONED.
On the 28thof April, 2021 President Emmerson Mnangagwa
officially commissioned the Lafarge Cement Zimbabwe dry
mortar mix plant installed at a tune of US $2.8 million and
sourced from Turkey.
This investment is part of LafargeHolcim Group's US $25
million three phased recapitalisation plan for Zimbabwe
which was announced in 2019. The launch of the dry
mortar mix plant precedes the Vertical Cement Mill project
which is part of this expansion plan and is currently
underway; targeted for launch in the first quarter of 2022.
The Lafarge dry mortars plant is set to propel the country’s
capacity to supply dry mortar products which include tile
adhesives and agricultural lime as it comes with an
expected total output of a staggering 100000 tonnes per
annum up from just 7 tonnes per annum. This positions the
country for viable import substitution while also creating
greater latitude to explore export markets.
NEWS
Precious Nyika, CEO Lafarge Zimbabwe: “This automated
dry mortars plant will go a long way to improving local
supply of the range of products and will ultimately create
more value for our customers the introduction of new
products. Furthermore, this capacity expansion translates
to a guaranteed business growth opportunity for the
partners in our value chain Lafarge currently offers a range
of dry mortar products which include the tile adhesive
range known as Supafix which has made significant inroads
in
the individual home builders segment. The range also
includes the agricultural lime range under the name
SupaGrow and has a dolomiticc and calcitic variety. In 2020
the business supported the government led
Pfumvunza sustainable agriculture programme with supply
of SupaGrow and continues to seek ways to
support agriculture development through this product line.
Another product under the dry mortars stable
that is very popular on the market is Impermo, a
waterproofing compound.
HOMES & STYLES PROPERTY NEWS| 10
 H&S PROPERTY NEWS
Innovation under the dry mortars business has
already started reaping results as the business
recently launched onto the market Zimbabwe’s first
waterproofing cement under the brand name
Watershield. A first of its kind, this product is
developed with hydro-defense technology and offers
dual benefits of strength and structural integrity as
well as water proofing, thereby preventing damage
to structures due to water ingress.
Meanwhile, Lafarge remains committed to
supporting the national housing development agenda
through the introduction of new, exciting, game
changing technology to address some of the
challenges with traditional methods of construction
– 3D printing. This technology has been developed
by LafargeHolcim through its subsidiary 14 trees and
the new dry mortar mix plant will be producing the
required 3D printing ink for our local projects. 3D
printing is the molding of a structure by precisely
placing volumes of material in sequential layers on
top of each other, constructing from the ground up.
3D Housing Illustration
The material is pushed through a nozzle which
regulates flow and is guided by computer-controlled
positioning process.
The material used in the process is cement based with
sand and specially designed admixtures as additives.3D
printing technology offers a range of benefits which
SWEN
makes it a viable alternative construction technique for
affordable housing. The benefits include increased
construction speed; up to 50 – 70% faster than
conventional method, enhanced sustainability as less
materials are used (50mm thick walls versus 140mm)
and affordability as construction costs are estimated to
come down as much as 10-20%.
To showcase the capabilities of 3D printing, Lafarge
Cement Zimbabwe will construct 10 units in
Knockmalloch under the affordable housing project
currently underway. This project will afford relevant
stakeholders to witness and experience the capabilities
of this and innovative technology and it is anticipated
that this will attract more projects towards the use of
the technology to provide decent affordable housing.
HOMES & STYLES PROPERTY NEWS| 11
 LOCATION & TRANSPORT
The A1 route (Lomagundi Rd) runs
through Westgate, from Avondale.
Emerald Hill, and Bluffhill, major
suburb route that each carry four
lanes of traffic, also run through the
suburb. Westgate is well serviced in
terms of road access, but also very
SURBURB REVIEW busy due to this.
SPONSORED BY LAFARGE
Public transport, in general, is

Westgate
excellent. With the major transit
routes running through the suburb a
bus stop to the city is never very far
away. If you’re going into the CBD by

Renaissance. bus, it should take around 15

minutes. A bus station has been
constructed at the shopping mall
which is also a business hub

Sought-after by families and professionals alike, DEVELOPMENTS

Westgate is undergoing an exciting renaissance.

There is a lot of developments going up

in Westgate and surrounding areas right
Westgate is an outer-city suburb THINGS WE LOVE now. The construction of the new
about 13 kilometres North-west of Parliament in Mt Hampden has ushered a
Westgate is close to quite scramble for property development, be it
Harare’s CBD. Undergoing a lot of
literally everything residents for residential use or industry. The new
change at the moment, the Westgate
need, which is convenient for American embassy is also located in the
area is becoming one of the most
residents: farmers markets, the heart of Westgate suburb, It’s is one of
sought-after by professionals and
CBD, workplaces – it’s all close the biggest constriction projects
families due to the proximity to the
by. completed within the area currently.
new Parliament in Mt Hampden, the
great schools, the Westgate Mall,
The Mall is right there! Enjoy the While the majority of Westgate has
and its proximity to the CBD and
atmosphere of the cinema, already been developed into house and
quite a few workplaces.
restaurants, and more land estates over the last couple of
throughout the year. decades, there are still a few areas
Westgate is one of Harare’s fastest-
growing areas in terms of new remaining. The surrounding suburbs of
This area is built for families — Good Hope, Bluff Hill, and Adyllin are
residential developments. In fact,
with plenty of entertainment capitalizing on the services and lifestyle
few locations in Harare have had as
options for kids and parents to offering available in Westgate, with
much new houses activity as
enjoy all year round. house and land developments available in
Westgate and there is a lot of
opportunity for buyers in this all three suburbs.
suburb. HOMES & STYLES PROPERTY NEWS| 12
 The Westgate Mall
LIFESTYLE
Westgate is increasingly becoming known as the
place to go for fun, new restaurants and cafes. The
eclectic suburb is also home to several well-known
stores that sell everything from second-hand
furniture to limited-edition wines.
The suburb demographic is primarily families.
There are a variety of facilities and community
hubs throughout the area that caters to the wide
demographic of people that call Westgate home.
The new American Embassy
EDUCATION
Situated in a great spot for both families and
young professionals, Westgate is close to some of
the best schools in Harare and provides easy
access to the University of Zimbabwe as well as
Harare Polytechnic and St Johns Emerald Hill High
School.
Masaisai Primary School sits just off Lorraine
Drive, teaching grades 1–7. The closest public
school to the area is Marlborough High School,
easily accessible within three to three and a half
kilometres from the majority of the suburb.
HOMES & STYLES PROPERTY NEWS| 13
HOMES & STYLES PROPERTY NEWS| 14
 H&S PROPERTY NEWS

A house stsged for sale by H&S Projects team in Aspindale, Harare

By Takunda Rusere • Agents can benefit from home staging by spending less
time on viewings and less money marketing a home, as
well as receive better commission due to the fact that the
Home staging is the act of preparing a home for sale in
home will most likely be sold at the seller’s asking price.
real estate. It involves designing and decorating a home in
• Even in a tough economic climate exacerbated by the
a way that would appeal to potential homebuyers. Agents
COVID-19 pandemic, it’s possible for agents to still make
are generally tasked with the responsibility of marketing
a speedy sale.
and facilitating property transactions and hence are not
Tips and advice for agents on how to stage a home:
expected to master the art of home staging. . However,
• The initial step should be to focus on analysing every
according to Homes and Styles Editor, Shaana Puwai, ,
room in the home to see what aspects can be adjusted to
there are many benefits for agents and developers who
be more appealing to potential buyers.
decide to hire a professional home stager.
• Thereafter, make sure to declutter each room in the
home to give buyers a clear view of the space, and the
Benefits of professional home staging:
purpose for which its intended. Decluttering will also help
• Presenting an empty property to potential homebuyers
to make the space appear more expansive.
doesn’t set a good first impression. Home staging helps in
• You can then depersonalise the space by adding neutral
creating the best possible first impression to potential
furniture and decor to appeal to people of varying tastes.
buyers.
• Plants are an integral part of any living space and
• Property industry research shows that empty properties
generally add to the general appeal of a home.
tend to sit on the market longer than homes that are
Strategically place some plants and art in certain areas to
professionally staged. By staging your home, you will
make the home more visually appealing.
increase its chances of being sold. The average selling
• Last but not least, you need to ensure that the
time for properties on the market is approximately 30
environment is kept as neat and tidy as possible. Be sure
days, however with professional home staging, many
to give the home a clean sweep, and if the home has a
homes have been sold on the first day at the seller’s
garden, make sure it is in pristine condition.
asking price.
If implemented well, the home staging guidelines and tips
• Professional home stagers have extensive knowledge
provided above will help to reduce the stress involved in
and skills relating to interior design. Finer details to do
home staging and improve the chances of selling the
with decr will therefore be taken care of.
home profitably without delays.

HOMES & STYLES PROPERTY NEWS| 16

H&S PROPERTY NEWS

HOMES & STYLES PROPERTY NEWS| 18

H&S PROPERTY NEWS

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HOMES & STYLES MAGAZINE| 22

HOMES & STYLES PROPERTY NEWS| 19

 STANDS
OUR STANDS ARE NOW
SELLING
AVAILABLE FOR VIEWING

GOLDEN HEIGHTS

Features
Stand 2312, Golden Heights,
Shamva, Zimbabwe
Tel: +263 662137464
Cell: +263 772 885 749
+263 776 165 170
WWW.GOLDENHEIGHTS.CO.ZW
Low density
1500sqm – 8000sqm
Residential Stands/
Agro-residential Stands
School & Church Stands
Serviced
H&S PROPERTY NEWS
H&S PROPERTY NEWS

UPCOMING SHAMVA
RESIDENTIAL SUBURB

Golden Heights is located 28km from Bindura (The Provincial

Capital of Mashonaland Central), and 89km north of Harare. The
housing scheme is just a step away from Shamva Town center, the
sleeping giant of Shamva District. Golden Heights housing scheme
is committed to offering descent, and world-class
accommodation.

Golden Heights is a Low-density residential scheme, withstands

measuring from 1500sqm to 8000sqm, with the exception of
institutional stands that exceed that range. Available stands
include the aforementioned residential stands, agro-residential
plots industrial stands, creche stands, school stands, church
stands, and cemetery stands. Historically, Goldenheights was a
Farm called “Remainder of Samva”, owned by the Gurumombe
family, but because of the proximity to the town center the farm
was subdivided, and the subdivision permit granted in 2013. From
the inception of the Golden Heights Housing Scheme, quality
standards and decency have always been at the heart of all
operations.

The stands have been serviced; road servitude and water

connections have already been implemented to the satisfaction of
compliance standards of local authority bodies namely ZINWA and
CRDC (Chaminuka Rural District Council), but suffice to say that
servicing of the housing scheme is still in progress to reach the
envisioned standard.

The stands are sold with flexible payment terms and have title
deeds. www.goldenheights.co.zw
HOMES & STYLES PROPERTY NEWS| 21