Viewing a House? Here’s a 20-Point Checklist for Zimbabwean Home Buyers (2025 Edition)

Buying a house is one of the biggest financial decisions you’ll ever make so it’s vital to inspect the property thoroughly before signing anything. Whether you're a first-time buyer or looking for an investment property in Harare, Bulawayo, or a fast-growing town like Ruwa or Gweru, a careful viewing can help you avoid costly surprises later.

In 2024, nearly 33% of post-sale disputes reported by conveyancers involved issues that could have been identified during an initial viewing—like faulty plumbing, missing documents, or misleading location descriptions.

To help you make a confident decision, we’ve compiled a comprehensive 20-point checklist, backed by expert advice and Zimbabwean market trends.

Viewing a House? Here’s What to Look For

1. Title Deed or Offer Letter Status

Ask upfront: is the property titled or under cession? This determines how soon (and easily) it can be transferred into your name.

Tip: Properties with title deeds are 52% more likely to secure mortgage approval according to 2024 lending trends.

2. Exterior Walls & Foundation

Look for large cracks, water damage, or signs of structural movement. These could indicate expensive repairs.

3. Roof Condition

Check for missing tiles, sagging, or signs of leakage. Zimbabwe’s rainy season (Nov–Mar) can expose roof problems.

4. Ceilings and Interior Walls

Look for brown water stains, cracks, or bubbles in the paint—often signs of dampness or past leaks.

5. Floors and Tiling

Check for broken tiles, uneven flooring, or moisture damage (especially in kitchens and bathrooms).

6. Doors and Locks

Test if doors close properly and if locks are functional. Also check security gates and burglar bars, if any.

7. Windows and Frames

Open and close all windows. Look for rust, broken glass, or poor insulation.

8. Plumbing

Run taps and flush toilets. Check water pressure, drainage, and for any visible leaks under sinks.

9. Electrical Sockets & Wiring

Test plug points and light switches. Look for exposed wires or signs of DIY installations.

10. ZESA Meter & Power Setup

Check whether the property has:

• A working ZESA meter
• Prepaid system
  
• Backup power (solar or generator)
  

With Zimbabwe’s frequent outages, solar readiness is a strong value-add.

11. Borehole or Water Supply

Ask about water availability:

• Is there a borehole?
  
• Is council water reliable?
  
• Are tanks and pumps in working condition?
  

In low-density suburbs, homes with boreholes sold 26% faster in 2024 due to water reliability issues.

12. Kitchen Fittings

Inspect cabinetry, sinks, countertops, stove fittings, and ventilation. Look for mold or leaks under the sink.

13. Bathroom Condition

Flush toilets, test taps and showers, and check tiles and ventilation.

14. Yard & Drainage

Inspect the outdoor area for:

• Proper slope (to prevent flooding)
  
• Drainage systems
  
• Boundary walls or fencing
  

15. Sewer System

Check if the property is connected to:

• Municipal sewer system, or
  
• A septic tank (ask about servicing)
  

16. Garage or Parking Space

Is there secure, adequate parking? If you own multiple cars, make sure there’s room.

17. Security Features

Check for:

• Security gates
  
• Alarm systems
  
• Electric fence
  
• Guard house (if applicable)
  

Security was the #1 concern for urban homebuyers in 2024.

18. Neighbourhood Noise & Safety

Visit the area at different times (day/night). Talk to neighbours and look for:

• Noise levels
  
• Foot traffic
  
• Presence of illegal vendors or vagrants

19. Internet and Mobile Network Signal

Use your phone to check signal strength and ask about available ISPs (Fibre, TelOne, Liquid, ZOL).

20. Property Documentation

Before you leave, ask to see:

• Title deed or Offer Letter
  
• ZESA and water bills
  
• Rates clearance certificate
  
• Building plan approval (especially for additions like cottages)
  

Homes with complete documentation generated 61% more buyer interest on Property.co.zw in 2024.

Quick 20-Point House Viewing Checklist (Printable)

Final Thoughts

Viewing a property isn’t just about liking how it looks it’s about knowing what lies beneath. A professional inspection can add peace of mind, but you can spot most red flags using this simple checklist.

Taking the time to evaluate a home properly could save you thousands of dollars in future repairs or legal issues.

Looking for Verified Homes?

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