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Zimbabwe’s property market is entering a new era. With rising construction costs, a growing middle class, increased adoption of solar technology, and a renewed push for lifestyle-driven housing, the homes Zimbabweans want in 2026 look very different from the homes they wanted just five years ago.
Developers, buyers, and homeowners are shifting toward practical luxury, meaningful spaces, and resilient living trends strongly reflected in new cluster developments, modern renovations, and even high-density upgrades.
Below are the top design trends set to shape Zimbabwean homes in 2026, backed by market observations, demand shifts on property.co.zw, and the lifestyle realities driving them.
1. Colour Drenching: Bold, Confident Interiors Take Over
The global trend has arrived but Zimbabwe is giving it a signature twist.
Instead of neutral whites and greys, homebuyers increasingly prefer full-room colour drenching, where walls, ceilings, doors, trims, and sometimes even built-ins are painted the same shade. Popular Zimbabwean palettes include:
- Deep navy (in Borrowdale and Mt Pleasant modern builds)
- Warm terracotta (common in new cluster units)
- Earthy greens and sage (appearing in Glen Lorne eco-homes)
- Matte charcoal (luxury apartments in Avondale West)
Paint brands like Nash Paints and Dulux report rising interest in bold pigments, with many homeowners choosing colours that make rooms feel immersive and emotionally grounded.
Why it’s trending: Zimbabweans want maximum visual impact with minimal cost, and paint achieves exactly that.
2. Elevating Craftsmanship: Local Artistry in the Spotlight
Zimbabwean homes are embracing local craftsmanship more than ever teak furniture, wrought-iron stair rails, handmade light fixtures, and custom joinery are in high demand.
Trends include:
- Teak coffee tables and door frames in executive homes
- Handwoven baskets from Binga used as wall décor
- Stone feature walls using locally sourced granite
- Custom carpentry (kitchen islands, fitted wardrobes, pantry shelving) from Mbare and Msasa workshops
- Locally crafted outdoor furniture suited for all-weather use
With imported materials becoming expensive, homeowners are investing in bespoke, locally made pieces that tell a story and are built to last.
Why it’s trending: Rising import costs + growing pride in Zimbabwean artisanal excellence.
3. At-Home Escapes: Wellness and Relaxation Spaces Become Essential
After years of economic pressure, urban congestion, and erratic power supply, Zimbabweans are carving out private escape zones inside their homes.
Trending features include:
- Indoor reading corners with natural light
- Zen-style gardens in cluster homes (Gletwyn, Pomona, Hillside)
- Small outdoor lounges with pergolas
- Spa-inspired bathrooms with freestanding tubs
- Mini home libraries to complement remote work
- Outdoor braai pods with seating benches
Buyers are specifically searching for “homes with private gardens” and “homes with outdoor living spaces” on property.co.zw a trend that has grown consistently since 2023.
Why it’s trending: Homes are now lifestyle hubs not just shelters.
4. At-Home Sports: Fitness Moves From Gyms to Living Rooms
Fitness culture has exploded in Zimbabwe and homes are adapting.
Common features seen in new builds and high-end renovations include:
- Compact home gyms (treadmill + weights + mat space)
- Indoor golf simulators in luxury houses (Borrowdale Brooke)
- Backyard basketball hoops
- Mini tennis & padel courts in gated communities (increasing in upscale cluster projects)
- Cycling storage walls for the rising biking community
Developers are now advertising “fitness-ready homes,” especially in gated cluster developments where residents prioritise wellness.
Why it’s trending: Convenience + cost-savings + health consciousness.
5. Sustainable Style: Solar, Storage & Smart Energy Dominate
Energy resilience is now the top priority for Zimbabwean homebuyers.
A 2025 review of property.co.zw search data shows massive growth in searches for:
- solar-powered homes
- homes with inverter systems
- properties with lithium batteries
- solar geysers
- solar borehole systems
Modern homes in 2026 increasingly include:
- 5kVA–10kVA hybrid inverter systems
- Lithium battery packs (10–20kWh)
- Rooftop solar arrays (5–15 panels)
- Solar geysers with backup elements
- Energy-efficient appliances
Sustainable features are no longer luxuries they’re necessities.
Why it’s trending: The combination of cost savings, convenience, and lifestyle stability.
6. Resilient Homes: Built for Climate & Utility Realities
Zimbabwe is already experiencing the effects of changing weather patterns flooding, heatwaves, and water shortages. As a result, homeowners and developers are prioritising resilience-oriented design.
Growing features include:
- Raised foundations in flood-prone areas (Budiriro, Glen View)
- Fire-resistant roofing in hillside suburbs
- Rainwater harvesting tanks
- Drip irrigation landscaping
- Heat-reflective roofing sheets
- Insulated ceilings to regulate high temperatures
- Water purification systems (high demand in borehole-dependent areas)
Even cluster developments are being designed with stormwater management and drought-conscious landscaping.
Why it’s trending: Climate resilience lowers long-term costs and increases property value.
What This Means for Buyers, Sellers & Developers
For Buyers:
A home with solar, water backup, modern finishes, and well-designed living spaces will hold its value better than ever.
For Sellers:
Renovations that focus on energy, craftsmanship, colour, and wellness spaces yield highest returns.
For Developers:
2026 buyers want:
- turnkey solar
- strong aesthetic identity
- outdoor living
- climate-resilient features
- well-designed cluster homes with communal facilities
Properties meeting these expectations move faster and command premium prices.
