Renovate or Relocate? A Zimbabwe Homeowner’s Guide to Making the Right Property Decision

Deciding whether to renovate your current home or relocate to a new property is one of the biggest decisions many Zimbabwean homeowners face. The choice affects your lifestyle, your long-term property investment, and the future resale value of your real estate asset. In today’s housing market property prices, construction costs and buyer demand trends are shifting and  understanding the right strategy can help you unlock more value from your home.

With thousands of active listings and over 8,000 property opportunities on Property.co.zw, real estate data shows clear patterns in how renovation and relocation decisions influence property value in Zimbabwe’s top suburbs.

Renovation vs Relocation: Zimbabwe Property Market Insights

Insights from Property.co.zw, Zimbabwe’s No.1 property marketplace, show that homes renovated before sale achieve 8%–15% higher asking prices compared to similar homes in the same location. Upgraded properties in popular suburbs like Borrowdale, Greendale, Mt Pleasant, Westgate, Marlborough, and Chisipite often receive higher buyer interest because the local property market rewards modern features.

The most valuable renovations in Zimbabwe’s current real estate market include:

• solar systems and inverters
  
• borehole water
  
• modern kitchen fittings
  
• new roofing and ceilings
  
• bathroom upgrades
  
• smart security systems (CCTV, electric gate)
  

These upgrades speak directly to local buyer needs, especially given Zimbabwe’s rising utility costs and lifestyle preferences.

However, construction and renovation costs continue to rise. In 2024, the average price of building materials increased by 17%, and labour costs went up as demand for qualified contractors grew. A basic kitchen renovation can cost US$6,000 to US$20,000, while structural extensions can exceed US$30,000 depending on design, finishes, and contractor rates.

When Renovation Makes Sense for Your Property

Renovating your home can be a smart real estate investment when:

• you love your neighbourhood
  
• you want more comfort without changing suburbs
  
• the location has strong property demand and resale potential
  
• your suburb has higher price ceilings
  

In high-value zones such as Borrowdale, Mt Pleasant and Chisipite, average house prices range from US$280,000 to US$650,000, depending on plot size and finish. In these suburbs, a US$15,000–US$30,000 upgrade can improve your property value more efficiently than relocating.

Emerging areas like Prospect, Pomona, Madokero, Gletwin and Damofalls are seeing strong interest from buyers looking for modern housing developments, secure estates and cluster homes. In these markets, renovations such as adding a bedroom, building outdoor entertainment spaces or improving water infrastructure can attract buyers searching for family homes for sale in Harare.

When Relocating Is the Better Property Investment

Relocating to a new property might be more financially attractive when the cost of renovating is unlikely to generate strong returns. Some suburbs have price ceilings where even expensive renovations don’t lead to higher valuations.

In neighbourhoods where average house prices range between US$90,000 and US$160,000, spending US$40,000+ on renovations can create overcapitalisation, making it difficult to recover your investment when you sell.

Buying a new property in areas with growing infrastructure and strong market demand can offer better long-term value. Many Zimbabwean homebuyers prioritise:

• modern open-plan layouts
  
• secure gated communities
  
• energy-efficient homes
  
• ready-to-move properties
  
• newly built cluster homes and townhouses
  

Although relocating involves fees such as real estate agent commissions (approx. 5%), legal costs, valuations and moving expenses, these may still be lower than large renovation projects.

Buyer Behaviour in Zimbabwe’s Real Estate Market

Search data on Property.co.zw shows strong trends that can guide your decision:

• 62% of users search for move-in-ready family homes
  
• listings with solar power and boreholes receive 35% more enquiries
  
• 3-bedroom houses for sale in Harare are the most searched property type
  
• areas close to good schools, shopping centres, and transport routes attract stable demand
  
• land for sale in Harare and Bulawayo is trending as buyers consider building instead of renovating
  

These patterns show that functional, infrastructure-focused improvements add more value than luxury finishes alone.

Property Decision Checklist for Zimbabwean Homeowners

Before choosing to renovate or relocate, review the following:

1. Understanding Your Financial Position

Consider your mortgage (if applicable), your available cash, and your expected property valuation. In Zimbabwe’s cash-driven market, liquid funds shape the decision.

2. Researching Property Prices

Check recent property sales, not just listing prices. Use Property.co.zw to view similar homes and get a sense of what buyers are willing to pay in your area.

3. Clarifying Your Motivation

Are you upgrading for resale value, lifestyle needs, or location change? The reason behind your decision influences whether renovation or relocation makes sense.

4. Planning Your Next Property Move

Are you planning to buy land, purchase a house for sale in a gated community, or move into a cluster home? Each option has different cost structures.

5. Accounting for All Selling Costs

A realistic plan includes agent commissions, legal fees, advertising, repairs and moving costs. Most sellers spend 3%–6% of the sale price on transaction expenses.

6. Emotional Readiness

Moving can disrupt routines, schooling and community relationships. Many homeowners renovate to maintain family stability while upgrading to better living standards.

7. Professional Advice

Speak to real estate agents, valuers, and building contractors. Local experts understand Zimbabwe property trends, price ceilings and buyer expectations.

Final Thoughts: Which Option Creates More Property Value?

There is no universal solution. A successful decision depends on:

• your location
  
• your renovation budget
  
• potential upside in resale value
  
• market demand in your suburb
  
• personal lifestyle preferences
  
• the quality of advice you receive
  

In Zimbabwe’s property market, strategic renovations can unlock more value in premium locations, while relocating may be the smarter option in mid-priced suburbs with clear price limits.

Whether you decide to renovate or buy a new home, the key is to compare the real cost of upgrades with the realistic market return, based on what buyers in Zimbabwe are willing to pay today.