Online Reporter
Lovemore Kadzura
Post Reporter
A GROWING army of unregistered estate agents is preying on desperate home-seekers in Manicaland, leaving some unsuspecting buyers counting devastating losses after being duped out of their life savings in fraudulent property deals.
Investigations by The Manica Post revealed that while Manicaland has only seven registered estate agents, more than 50 unlicenced operators are actively buying, selling and marketing properties across the province.
The rogue agents, who largely operate through social media platforms such as Facebook and WhatsApp, advertise houses using attractive photographs, prices and locations before linking prospective buyers with purported property owners. Zimbabweans living in the diaspora have emerged as some of the biggest victims of the scams.
Industry experts warn that the mushrooming of bogus agents has created a breeding ground for property fraud, with some unsuspecting buyers reportedly paying thousands of United States dollars for non-existent properties, disputed houses and homes owned by other people.
Estate Agents Council representative, Mr Life Mutichakwa, described the situation as alarming, saying illegal operators are undermining public confidence in the property sector.
“Bogus estate agents are on the prowl in Manicaland. We have over 50 unlicenced people involved in buying and selling properties, while the province has only seven registered agents. Some of these individuals are depriving members of the public of their hard-earned money by selling non-existent properties,” he said.
Mr Mutichakwa said registered estate agents are required to hold valid compensation fund certificates and operate under strict regulations, unlike their unregistered counterparts. He warned that bogus agents often bypass critical verification procedures, exposing buyers to serious risks.
“If proper due diligence is not done, a buyer can end up purchasing a bonded property, a house with caveats, or even a property that has been double-allocated. Should a registered agent make an error, the compensation fund protects the client. But if someone loses money through an unregistered agent, there is no recourse and the loss can be permanent. Imagine losing US$200 000,” he said.
Most obligations in a property transaction fall on the seller, who is legally required to pay capital gains tax and estate agent commission, both calculated at five percent, while buyers are responsible for conveyancing fees associated with the transfer of ownership.
Acting Manicaland provincial police spokesperson Assistant Inspector Wiseman Chinyoka, confirmed that cases involving fraudulent property agents have been reported, urging members of the public to conduct thorough verification before parting with their money.
“People are losing money after dealing with bogus property agents. We urge the public to transact only with registered and legally recognised entities. Verification is crucial before paying for properties, vehicles or any high-value asset,” he said.
He added that some self-styled property agents who introduce prospective tenants to rental accommodation have also been linked to unlawful entry cases.
Legal practitioner, Mr Tendai Bvuma, said many buyers have suffered significant financial losses after rushing into transactions without seeking professional assistance.
“Property transactions involve substantial amounts of money and should never be treated casually. Buyers must engage qualified professionals who are accountable to statutory bodies. A registered estate agent risks losing a licence for misconduct, but an unregistered agent has nothing to lose,” he said.
Mr Bvuma warned that detecting forged ownership documents, mortgages and property disputes requires specialised knowledge that informal agents simply do not possess.
“People should not buy property as if they are purchasing cabbages at a market. We have seen individuals lose pension payouts and life savings because they chose shortcuts instead of following proper procedures,” he said.
As property scams escalate across Manicaland, industry players and law enforcement agencies are urging prospective buyers to verify ownership details through registered estate agents, local authorities and the Deeds Office before committing to any transaction.
