Interview with a Conveyancer: What Really Delays Property Transfers in Zimbabwe?

You’ve found the perfect buyer. The offer’s been signed. But weeks even months go by… and the deal still hasn’t closed. Sound familiar?

Property transfers in Zimbabwe can take anywhere from 3 to 6 months (or more), depending on a range of legal, administrative, and compliance-related factors.

To help buyers and sellers understand the process better, we spoke to Tariro Nkomo, a registered conveyancer based in Harare with over 12 years of experience handling transfers for residential, commercial, and land transactions.

Here’s what she had to say about what really causes delays in Zimbabwean property transfers and how to avoid them.

What Is a Conveyancer’s Role?

Before diving into delays, let’s clarify what a conveyancer actually does.

“A conveyancer ensures that legal ownership of a property is passed from seller to buyer properly this involves paperwork, compliance checks, tax clearances, and title registration,” Tariro explains.

Top 5 Reasons Transfers Get Delayed in Zimbabwe

1. Missing or Defective Title Deeds

“This is the number one cause of delay,” says Tariro.

• The property may not have a title deed at all (especially for council or cooperative land).
  
• The deed might have errors, be defaced, or not reflect the true owner.
  
• Sometimes, it’s still in a deceased relative’s name, requiring a winding-up process.
  

Tip: Always check that the seller’s name matches the title deed before signing.

2. Failure to Obtain ZIMRA Capital Gains Tax Clearance

• ZIMRA requires sellers to pay Capital Gains Tax (CGT) before a transfer can be processed.
  
• This can take 4–6 weeks, especially if the property was inherited or gifted.
  
• Disputes over valuations or late submissions often delay processing.
  

In 2024, over 40% of transfer delays were due to incomplete CGT paperwork or incorrect valuations.

3. Deeds Office Backlog

“Even when everything is submitted, the Deeds Office can take 4–8 weeks to register a property,” says Tariro.

• Harare and Bulawayo Deeds Registries often experience staff shortages, strikes, or backlog.
  
• In 2025, new digital systems are being piloted, but manual processing is still the default.
  

Ask your conveyancer for updates every 10–14 days once submission is made.

4. Council Rates & Compliance Clearance

Before a transfer, the seller must:

• Clear all municipal rates and obtain a Rates Clearance Certificate
• Submit approved plans for verification (some councils require this)
  

“If there are unpaid rates or illegal structures, councils will block the clearance.”

Tip: If selling, visit your local council early and request a full rates statement.

5. Legal Disputes or Family Conflicts

• If the property is part of a deceased estate, divorce, or family trust, extra legal steps apply.
  
• Disputes between siblings, ex-spouses, or beneficiaries can delay the transaction by months.
  

“Get your paperwork in order early,” says Tariro. “Family consensus is crucial when dealing with shared or inherited properties.”

How Long Should a Property Transfer Take in Zimbabwe?

Tips to Speed Up Your Transfer.

1. Ensure the title deed is in order and matches the seller’s ID.
   
   
2. Clear all council rates and ZESA bills before listing the property.
   
   
3. Get ZIMRA tax clearance as early as possible.
   
   
4. Use a registered conveyancer with experience.
   
   
5. Request regular progress updates (especially post-submission).
   
   
6. Sign all documents promptly delays often occur on the buyer or seller’s side.

What Sellers & Buyers Get Wrong

“Some sellers expect to get their full payment immediately but until the transfer is complete, funds are usually held in trust,” says Tariro.

She also warns:

• Buyers must avoid paying the full amount without an Agreement of Sale and escrow.
  
• Sellers should not hand over keys before funds are cleared.
  

Need Help with a Property Transfer?

Visit Property.co.zw to:

• Download buyer & seller checklists to avoid common pitfalls
  
• Access guides on CGT, council clearances, and estate planning

Final Word from the Conveyancer

“Property transfers in Zimbabwe are not instant but they don’t need to drag either. With the right documents and professional guidance, most deals can close smoothly.”

Don’t guess. Get legal. Transfer smart.