What to Do if Your Property Isn’t Selling: Tips from Experts (2025 Edition)

Has your property been on the market for weeks or even months with no serious offers? You’re not alone. In 2024, 27% of residential listings in Zimbabwe’s urban areas remained unsold for more than 90 days, according to data from Property.co.zw.

Whether you're selling in Harare, Bulawayo, or elsewhere, slow sales can be frustrating especially if you're depending on the proceeds for your next move or investment. The good news? There are proven steps you can take to increase your chances of selling.

We spoke with real estate agents, valuers, and marketers to uncover the most effective strategies to turn a stagnant listing into a sold property.

Why Properties Fail to Sell in Zimbabwe

Before diving into solutions, it’s important to understand the common reasons homes don’t sell:

Common Reasons:

1. Overpricing – The most cited reason. In 2024, homes priced 10–15% above market value received 47% fewer inquiries.
   
   
2. Poor listing quality – Low-quality photos or vague descriptions reduce buyer interest.
   
   
3. Limited exposure – Not listing on major platforms like Property.co.zw significantly reduces visibility.
   
   
4. Inconvenient viewing times – If buyers can’t access the home easily, they’ll move on.
   
   
5. Legal or paperwork issues – Missing title deeds, unclear cession rights, or outstanding rates discourage buyers.
   
   

What to Do If Your Property Isn’t Selling

Here are expert-recommended steps to revive interest and close a deal faster:

1. Review and Adjust Your Price

Overpricing is the #1 reason a property doesn’t sell. According to Property.co.zw analytics:

• Properties priced correctly sell 40% faster than overpriced ones.
  
• A price reduction of just 5–10% can lead to a 120% increase in inquiries.
  

What to Do:

• Request a professional valuation from a registered valuer.
  
• Check similar listings in your area on Property.co.zw.
  
• Consider adjusting the price based on current demand.
  

2. Upgrade Your Listing Presentation

In 2024, listings with professional photos and virtual tours received up to 3x more engagement than those with blurry or outdated images.

What to Do:

• Hire a photographer or use a smartphone with good lighting.
  
• Include 10–15 clear images: front, interior, kitchen, bathrooms, and yard.
  
• Write a detailed, SEO-friendly description that highlights features like borehole, solar, Wi-Fi, etc.
  

3. Maximize Your Exposure

If your home is only listed on WhatsApp groups or posters, you’re missing out on thousands of potential buyers.

In 2024, over 70% of property searches in Zimbabwe started on digital platforms, with Property.co.zw accounting for the highest number of verified listings.

What to Do:

• List on Property.co.zw for wider reach.
  
• Share your listing on social media (Facebook Marketplace, WhatsApp Status, Instagram).
  
• Ask your agent if the listing is being promoted via Google Ads or Facebook Boosts.
  

4. Improve the Home’s Presentation

Staging even modestly can make a big impact. A well-kept house sells faster because it helps buyers picture themselves living there.

What to Do:

• Declutter and clean all rooms.
  
• Touch up paint, fix broken tiles or windows.
  
• Keep the lawn tidy and remove excess items in the yard.
  

In a recent Property.co.zw buyer survey, 68% said the first impression during viewing strongly influenced their decision to buy or walk away.

5. Offer Flexible Viewing Times

Buyers have busy schedules, and rigid viewing hours can kill interest. According to agents, properties with flexible viewing slots received 2.5x more physical viewings.

What to Do:

• Allow viewings during evenings and weekends.
  
• Leave a spare key with a trusted agent.
  
• Consider hosting an open house on weekends.
  

6. Resolve Any Legal or Documentation Issues

Unclear paperwork is a dealbreaker. If your title deed is missing or cession documents are not up to date, serious buyers will walk away.

What to Do:

• Engage a conveyancer to review your paperwork.
  
• Settle any outstanding rates or ZESA bills.
  
• Get your ZIMRA Capital Gains Tax pre-cleared.
  

Properties with full documents receive 48% more buyer inquiries than those with incomplete paperwork.

7. Reassess Your Agent or Selling Strategy

Sometimes, the issue lies with the agent’s marketing strategy or lack of follow-through.

What to Do:

• Request a performance update (views, inquiries, feedback).
  
• Ask for digital marketing proof (ads, social media reach).
  
• If necessary, switch to a more proactive agent or list independently on platforms like Property.co.zw.

2024 Market Snapshot: How Long Does It Take to Sell?

Homes priced correctly and listed with full documentation typically sold 30% faster.

Recap: Key Fixes if Your Property Isn’t Selling

Final Thoughts

The Zimbabwean property market is active but competitive. With thousands of listings and buyer expectations rising, simply listing your home isn’t enough. By applying these expert tips, you can reignite interest, improve offers, and close your sale faster.

Ready to Re-List with Better Results?

Boost your visibility with Property.co.zw, Zimbabwe’s No.1 Property Marketplace with 8,000+ listings, 200+ verified agents, and thousands of daily buyer views.