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When people search for houses for sale in Bulawayo, one name continues to top the list Pocock for Property. This year, the iconic real estate agency in Bulawayo celebrates a major milestone: 70 years of uninterrupted service in Zimbabwe’s ever-evolving property sector.
As one of the oldest and most reputable estate agencies in Zimbabwe, Pocock has played a key role in helping thousands of families and investors buy, sell, and manage properties with confidence.
From Air Force Pilot to Property Pioneer
It all began in 1955, when John Pocock, a former Royal Air Force pilot stationed in Bulawayo during World War II, chose to make the city his permanent home. Recognizing the growing demand for professional property services in Bulawayo, he established John Pocock and Company a boutique real estate agency focused on honesty, reliability, and personalised service.
Back then, Bulawayo was expanding, and the need for trustworthy professionals in residential and commercial property was rising. Pocock stepped in at just the right time.
A Family Legacy That Built an Industry
John’s son, Guy Pocock, joined the business years later, and together they elevated the company into a household name in Bulawayo’s property market. But their impact didn’t end with company growth—they helped lay the foundation of Zimbabwe’s formal real estate industry.
Both were instrumental in forming the Estate Agents Council of Zimbabwe, contributing to the Estate Agents Act, which protects buyers and sellers from fraud and unethical practices. This legal framework continues to govern real estate transactions across the country today.
From Tradition to Transformation
After decades of service, John retired and Guy emigrated, leaving the company in the capable hands of Craig Friend, a long-time associate. Under Craig’s leadership, Pocock for Property embraced modern real estate trends while maintaining its core values.
Highlights of this transformation included:
- A refreshed and modern office relocation to the Suburbs area of Bulawayo, offering clients secure parking and convenient access.
- A rebranded identity aligned with evolving consumer expectations.
- Adoption of digital property listings, automated CRM tools, and online communication platforms to improve client service.
The Next Generation: Digital Vision, Traditional Values
In 2013, Craig’s son, Darryl Friend, joined the company. A new era began as Darryl introduced data-driven strategies, expanded online property visibility, and refined client engagement through social media and web platforms.
His influence has significantly increased the company’s online traffic and buyer inquiries. According to internal estimates, website inquiries for property listings in Bulawayo have risen by over 40% in the last five years.
This third-generation leadership ensures the company stays relevant in an increasingly competitive market.
A Team With Decades of Real Estate Experience
One of Pocock for Property’s greatest strengths is its experienced team of real estate professionals. Many staff members have served the company for 15 to 30 years, creating an unmatched level of institutional knowledge.
This long-term commitment contributes to:
- Faster property sales cycles
- High levels of client retention and referrals
- Deep understanding of market fluctuations in Bulawayo suburbs like Hillside, Kumalo, Suburbs, and Famona
Market Impact: A Data-Driven Approach
Pocock for Property has helped facilitate over 7,000 real estate transactions in the last seven decades, from starter homes and luxury villas to commercial buildings and industrial land.
In 2024 alone:
- Over 150 homes for sale in Bulawayo were listed on their platform.
- The company maintained a 95% closing rate on listed properties.
- The average property sale turnaround time was under 60 days, compared to the national average of 90 days.
Strategic Relocation for Better Client Access
The decision to move from downtown Bulawayo to the Suburbs area was more than a location change it was a customer-focused strategy. The new premises offer:
- Enhanced security and parking
- Easier navigation for walk-in clients
- A modern, welcoming environment for consultations
This reflects the company's ethos: putting clients at the center of every decision.
Why Pocock for Property Still Leads the Market
In a competitive environment where many agencies come and go, Pocock for Property has not only endured but excelled. It remains one of the top-performing estate agents in Bulawayo thanks to its:
- Deep market insight
- Personalized service
- Focus on ethical, efficient transactions
- High-performance property marketing both offline and online
Their listings consistently feature across major Zimbabwean real estate portals, with increasing interest from diaspora investors and first-time home buyers.
Looking Ahead: Innovation Meets Heritage
As the Bulawayo property market trends upward driven by increased urbanization, diaspora interest, and infrastructure growth Pocock for Property is poised to lead the next chapter.
Future goals include:
- Expanding into property development consulting
- Launching virtual tours and AI-assisted property valuations
- Offering more affordable housing investment opportunities for young professionals
A Word of Thanks to Bulawayo
As they commemorate 70 years of real estate leadership, the team at Pocock for Property expresses heartfelt gratitude to the people of Bulawayo. Your continued trust has been the cornerstone of this incredible journey.
For those searching for houses for sale in Bulawayo, seeking property investment advice, or needing a trusted estate agent in Zimbabwe, Pocock for Property stands ready to serve with the same honesty, expertise, and dedication that began in 1955.
