Time is Ticking: You Have 24 Months(2yrs) to Secure Your Property Rights.
The Zimbabwean government has introduced a landmark update to property ownership laws with Statutory Instrument 76 of 2025 (Deeds Registries Regulations 2025).
This replaces the 2018 regulations and brings major changes —especially for title deed holders.
If you own property, your old title deed must be validated and digitized within 24 months. Miss the deadline, and you risk losing the ability to sell, mortgage, or even prove ownership of your property.
Here’s what you need to know—and why acting now is smarter than waiting.
Key Changes in the New Law
1. Mandatory Validation & Digitization (Sections 40–41)
All old title deeds must be submitted for validation within 24 months.
– Validated deeds will be reissued as “Securitised Deeds”—digitally stored and printed on tamper-proof security paper.
– After the transition, only securitised deeds will be legally valid.
Why this matters: Forgery cases (like the high-profile Dzingai Mutumbukwa property theft case) have exposed flaws in the old system. The new deeds are harder to fake and safer for owners.
2. Electronic Services (Sections 65–66) 24/7 online access for deeds-related transactions.
– No more in-person bottlenecks—submit documents digitally or physically.
3. Higher Fees (Second Schedule)
– Lodging box rental: US$120/year (up from 2018 rates).
– Certification: US$20 per document.
– Searches: US$1 per page.
Pro tip: Early movers avoid last-minute price hikes and processing delays.
4. Stricter Identity & Ownership Checks
-Tighter verification for Power of Attorney (Section 27).
– Foreign passports now accepted (Section 55).
– Mortgage bond rules expanded (Section 47).
5. New Penalties for Fraud (Section 43)
– Harsher consequences for fake submissions during validation.
Why You Should Act NOW—Not Later
Deadlines Sneak Up Faster Than You Think
– The government could extend the 24-month window—but don’t bet on it.
– Early birds avoid the inevitable year-end rush, long queues, and processing delays.
Protect Your Property’s Value.
– Banks won’t approve loans against outdated deeds.
– Buyers can’t purchase properties with invalid titles.
– Delays = lost opportunities (sales, refinancing, inheritance planning).
Stop Fraudsters in Their Tracks
Old deeds are easy to forge. Securitised deeds:
Are digitally backed by government records.
Use secure paper to prevent tampering.
Reduce ownership disputes and scams.
How to Get Your New Title Deed: Step-by-Step
1. Gather Documents
– Original title deeds.
– National ID/passport.
– Supporting proof (sale agreements, wills, clearance certificates).
2. Visit the Deeds Office
– Submit originals for validation.
3. Verification & Approval
– Officials confirm authenticity (may request extra docs).
4. Receive Your Securitised Deed
– Exchange old deed for **new digital + paper copy.
Processing time: 6 weeks to 3 months (quicker if you start early).
Don’t Wait—Secure Your Property Today.
The clock started ticking when S.I. 76 of 2025 was gazetted. Smart property owners won’t gamble with delays.
Take action now to:
Avoid last-minute chaos
Keep loan and sale options open.
Lock in current fees before increases.
Sleep easy knowing your property is fraud-proof.
Visit your nearest Deeds Registry Office today—your future self will thank you.
Need Help?
Consult a legal expert or property agent to streamline the process.
