Can’t Sell Your Home in Zimbabwe? Here’s Why Renting Could Be the Smarter Move

If you’re finding it difficult to sell your property in Harare, Bulawayo, or elsewhere in Zimbabwe, renting it out might be a smart alternative to consider. The current property market is competitive buyers are cautious, mortgage financing is limited, and many deals are cash-driven. As a result, some homes sit on the market for 3–6 months or longer without serious offers.

Rather than leaving your property vacant (which increases risk and costs), renting can provide a steady income stream while preserving your asset’s long-term value.

Benefits of Renting Out Your Property in Zimbabwe

1. Earn Income While Waiting to Sell

If you’ve already moved or bought another house, renting out your property can help cover:

• Mortgage repayments (if applicable)
  
• Council rates and ZESA bills
  
• Security, maintenance, and insurance costs
  

For example, a house in Avondale or Mount Pleasant can fetch rentals of US$800–US$1,500/month, depending on size and condition. This income can reduce financial strain while you wait for a favourable selling price.

2. Retain Long-Term Investment Potential

Zimbabwe’s property values have shown gradual appreciation over time, especially in growth corridors like Borrowdale West, Arlington Estate, and Ruwa. Renting allows you to:

• Wait for a better market without feeling pressured to lower your asking price.
  
• Benefit from potential capital appreciation.
  
• Decide later whether to keep the property as part of an income-generating portfolio.
  

3. Keep the Property Maintained and Secure

A vacant home in Zimbabwe can be an easy target for vandals, squatters, or thieves especially if left unattended for months. Having reliable tenants ensures the property stays occupied, clean, and maintained. Many landlords also retain gardening or security services to protect the property’s value.

Additionally, a furnished and lived-in home is often easier to market to buyers, as they can see the potential lifestyle the property offers.

4. Potential to Build a Property Investment Portfolio

You may discover that being a landlord is more rewarding than expected especially in high-demand rental areas like CBD fringe zones, Highlands, or New Marlborough. Over time, this could open the door to building a rental property portfolio and creating additional wealth streams.

Challenges to Consider

1. Finding Quality Tenants

Not all areas in Zimbabwe guarantee strong rental demand. If your property is in a location with limited market activity or relies on seasonal demand you might struggle with vacancies. Properties priced above market norms may also sit empty longer.

2. Managing the Property Remotely

If you no longer live near the property, managing tenants, maintenance, and inspections can be tough. This is why many landlords on property.co.zw opt for professional property managers or rental agents who can:

• Screen tenants
  
• Handle disputes
  
• Collect rent
  
• Oversee repairs
  

3. Ongoing Costs and Tax Implications

As a landlord, you remain responsible for:

• Municipal rates and taxes
  
• Major repairs and replacements (e.g., geysers, plumbing)
  
• Declaring rental income for Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (ZIMRA) tax purposes (though maintenance and management expenses may be deductible)
  

It’s crucial to budget for vacancy periods or unexpected expenses like repainting or pest control between tenants.

The Importance of a Strong Lease Agreement in Zimbabwe

A legally sound lease agreement protects you from potential disputes. Your rental contract should clearly outline:

• Monthly rental amount (in USD or ZIG)
  
• Security deposit terms
  
• Maintenance responsibilities
  
• Notice periods and penalties for early lease termination
  
• Tenant obligations (e.g., garden upkeep, security)
  

This prevents misunderstandings and ensures both parties are aware of their rights and duties.

If unsure, consult a qualified conveyancer or property lawyer in Zimbabwe to draft or review your lease. This is especially important when renting out to expatriates, diplomats, or NGOs, which may have special clauses.

Final Thoughts: Should You Rent or Keep Selling?

Renting is not a permanent detour it’s a practical way to:

• Earn income
  
• Protect your asset
  
• Wait for market conditions to improve
  

Meanwhile, your agent can keep marketing the property for sale. When the right buyer comes along, you’ll have benefited from steady rental returns instead of letting the property sit idle.

Explore verified tenants and rental demand on property.co.zw, Zimbabwe’s most trusted real estate platform with 8,000+ listings and 200+ agents nationwide.