Acquiring a stand in Zimbabwe can often feel like navigating a treacherous landscape, fraught with uncertainty. For many, the dream of homeownership turns into a high-stakes gamble, reminiscent of popular betting games where the house, unfortunately, often wins. The risk of encountering duplicitous sellers and losing hard-earned savings appears to be disproportionately higher in Harare. Zimbabwe’s capital has, over the past two decades, unfortunately, cultivated a reputation as a challenging environment for legitimate property acquisition, riddled with instances of property-related corruption.

The authorities, including governmental bodies, the judiciary, and the City Council – entities entrusted with ensuring the orderly operation of the property market – have, through what can only be described as sustained ineptitude and a failure to act decisively, seemingly given tacit approval to this chaotic state of affairs. A recent and painful example involves numerous individuals in Mabvuku who witnessed the demolition of their homes. These were not hastily erected shacks; these residents had purchased stands advertised for years in public media, serviced these stands over decades in plain sight, only to be confronted, often decades later, with accusations of having bought “stolen” land. The persistent question remains: how do well-connected individuals, often termed “land barons,” repeatedly manage to procure forged documents, brazenly use public media to market Council and privately owned land in Harare, all while the City Council seemingly allows construction to proceed for years, only to intervene once homes are completed?

For the ordinary Zimbabwean observing this troubling trend, the paramount question is how to sidestep becoming another statistic in this unfortunate narrative, especially when those tasked with preventing such occurrences seem unable to offer reliable protection. One prudent and increasingly popular solution is to cast one’s gaze beyond the confines of Harare. Venturing into other towns and cities not only mitigates the risk of purchasing illegally acquired land or property already belonging to someone else but often comes with the significant advantage of more accessible pricing. Incidents of individuals being duped when buying stands in towns and cities outside Harare are notably less frequent. These areas have not, by and large, become hubs for property-related crime and the subsequent, often delayed, demolitions. Furthermore, due to a more balanced dynamic of supply and demand, stands in these alternative locations tend to be considerably more affordable – in some cases, markedly so, as is evident in Chivhu. Unlike Harare City Council, which has been criticised for its perceived inertia in availing new land, other towns and cities are actively seeking to attract new residents and businesses and have been commendably proactive.

Chivhu: A Breath of Fresh Air in Property Acquisition

The Chikomba Rural District Council, which oversees affairs in Chivhu, appears to be one such proactive authority. Their promotional material highlights a commitment to “Ease of Doing Business,” a welcome assurance for potential investors and residents. They list several service delivery benchmarks:

• Building Plans, Lease, Cessions & Trading Licenses: Approved in Less Than 5 Days.
• Stands Allocated: Within 3 Days.
• Clients Attended To And Served: Within 5 Minutes.
• Refuse Collected: 5 Days A Week.
• Calls Answered: Within 20 Seconds.
• Buildings Inspected: Bi-weekly.
  Their motto, “Service Delivery In The Least Possible Time,” further underscores this commitment.

This proactive stance extends to the availability and pricing of residential stands in Chivhu. According to their schedule, the prices are as follows:

These figures present a compelling alternative to the Harare market. For instance, a 200 square metre stand in many of Harare’s high-density suburbs can command prices ranging from US$8,000 to US$9,000. The price escalates depending on the level of servicing and the availability or imminence of title deeds. The standard high-density stand size in Harare is often 300 square metres, and one can expect to pay between US$12,000 and US$15,000 for such a plot. In stark contrast, a 300 square metre stand in Chivhu is listed at $4,232, with a deposit of $2,821 and monthly instalments of $235. This represents a significant saving and a more accessible entry point into property ownership.

Chikomba Rural District Council also offers stands for commercial and industrial purposes, with prices varying according to size:

This diverse offering indicates a council keen on fostering holistic development, catering not just to residential needs but also to business growth.

A Legitimate Alternative to Risky “Sabhuku Deals”

In their quest to circumvent the complexities and high costs of urban property markets, particularly in Harare, some individuals have resorted to “Sabhuku deals.” This, however, is an ill-advised path. As we have previously discussed on Zimpricecheck.com, only Rural District Councils are legally empowered to allocate and sell stands in communal or rural areas, not Sabhukus (traditional headmen).

The good news regarding the Chivhu offering is its legitimacy, as it originates directly from the Chikomba Rural District Council. We have extensively explored the perils associated with Sabhuku deals in our article, “Sabhuku Deals are risky here is why.” To recap, these deals involve the illegal sale of state land by traditional village heads, often in peri-urban areas. This practice is fuelled by the severe urban housing crisis, a dearth of affordable housing options, and pervasive corruption. While Sabhukus traditionally had a role in recommending land allocations, this was within a structured framework where the land remained state property, formally allocated by the Council. Recently, however, some headmen have overstepped, colluding to parcel out and sell land, particularly in areas çözüm to major urban centres, enriching themselves in the process. The government is now taking a firm stance, warning that village heads involved in such illicit sales will be treated as land barons and face arrest. Buying land through such channels carries immense risk, including the potential loss of investment and demolition of any structures built.

The Chivhu initiative by Chikomba RDC stands in clear, positive contrast. It represents an official, transparent, and lawful channel for acquiring land, offering peace of mind that is often absent in less formal arrangements.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: What makes the Chivhu stand offers particularly attractive?
A1: The primary attractions are the significantly lower prices compared to Harare, the clear payment terms involving deposits and instalments, and the legitimacy of purchasing directly from the Chikomba Rural District Council, which also promotes its efficiency in service delivery.

Q2: Are the prices listed by Chikomba RDC for Chivhu stands final?
A2: The prices are as advertised by the council in their promotional material. However, it is always prudent for prospective buyers to contact the council directly to confirm all details, including any potential administrative or developmental levies, before committing.

Q3: How do Chivhu residential stand prices compare to those in Harare?
A3: Chivhu prices are substantially lower. For example, a 300m² stand in Chivhu is priced at $4,232, whereas a similar-sized stand in Harare can cost between $12,000 and $15,000. A 200m² stand in Chivhu is $3,571, compared to $8,000-$9,000 in many parts of Harare.

Q4: Is purchasing a stand from Chikomba Rural District Council in Chivhu safer than a “Sabhuku deal”?
A4: Absolutely. Purchasing directly from a recognised local authority like Chikomba RDC is a legal and secure process. “Sabhuku deals” are illegal, involve the unauthorised sale of state land, and carry a high risk of financial loss and potential demolition.

Q5: Does the information specify if title deeds are readily available for these Chivhu stands?
A5: The provided promotional material does not explicitly detail the status of title deeds. Prospective buyers should make direct inquiries with Chikomba Rural District Council regarding the process and timeline for obtaining title deeds for these stands.

Q6: What are the payment terms for these stands in Chivhu?
A6: The council offers terms involving an initial deposit followed by monthly instalments. The specific amounts for deposits and instalments vary depending on the size of the stand, as detailed in the tables above.

Q7: How can one get in touch with Chikomba Rural District Council for more information?
A7: Interested parties can contact Chikomba Rural District Council via:
* Email: [email protected] or [email protected]
* Telephone: 0542 122771/2-3157
* Website: www.chikombardc.org.zw
* Facebook: Chikomba Rural District Council
* Physical Address: 541 Terrablanche Street, Chivhu

Conclusion: A Viable Path to Property Ownership

For Zimbabweans aspiring to own property, the current market can seem daunting. However, opportunities exist outside the traditional, often problematic, epicentres. Chivhu, through the Chikomba Rural District Council, presents a compelling case for consideration. With transparent pricing, structured payment plans, and the assurance of dealing with a legitimate local authority, it offers a beacon of hope and a significantly more secure path to acquiring land. While due diligence is always paramount in any property transaction, the Chivhu initiative appears to be a commendable effort to provide affordable and accessible land, potentially making the dream of ownership a reality for many more citizens, free from the anxieties that plague the Harare market.