Online Reporter
Nqobile Bhebhe, Zimpapers Business Hub
BULAWAYO’s real estate sector is on the rise, drawing international investment and reflecting renewed global confidence in Zimbabwe’s economic recovery, Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution for Bulawayo Metropolitan Province, Judith Ncube, has said.
Speaking at the official opening of Chas Everitt International Property Group’s new offices in Bulawayo, Minister Ncube said the arrival of a leading international real estate firm highlights the city’s increasing attractiveness to investors.
“This is not merely a new office, it is a powerful statement of confidence, confidence in your brand, confidence in the property sector, and most importantly, confidence in the future of Bulawayo and Zimbabwe,” said Minister Ncube.
“The decision by a prestigious national brand like Chas Everitt to invest significantly in our city is a development we do not take for granted. The property sector is a critical barometer of the economic and social health of a nation. It is intertwined with construction, banking, and finance, and the fundamental human need for security and shelter.
“When the property market thrives, it signals investor confidence, creates employment, and stimulates a multitude of downstream industries,” she added.
The newly launched Bulawayo branch will focus on high-end residential and commercial real estate, as well as investment opportunities targeted at the diaspora and local high-net-worth individuals.
The firm’s entry into Bulawayo follows a successful market response in Harare, with the company citing increasing demand in Matabeleland, where median home prices have been steadily rising.
According to Chas Everitt, affordable properties in Bulawayo are now yielding potential returns of between 20 and 30 percent.
Minister Ncube said such growth feeds directly into the national vision for inclusive prosperity.
“The success we envision for Bulawayo is a vital piece of our country’s greatest ambition to become a prosperous, upper-middle-income nation by 2030, our national mission of achieving a higher standard of living for every citizen,” she said.
“The growth we see here in Bulawayo is essential to writing that successful story for our entire nation.”
She also challenged the private sector to work closely with the Government in driving sustainable urban development.
“I challenge Chas Everitt and the entire private sector in Bulawayo to see yourselves as partners in our transformative journey. Partner with us in our urban renewal. Partner with us in providing decent housing for our people. Partner with us by continuing to invest, to innovate, and to uphold the highest standards of corporate governance,” said Minister Ncube.
Chas Everitt International chief operating officer, Mr Barry Davies, said the company’s expansion into Bulawayo was driven by sound market analysis and a belief in Zimbabwe’s long-term economic prospects.
“Our analysis points directly to the potential here. We see the steady 12 percent growth in areas like Khumalo, the consistent 10-15 percent value appreciation in suburbs like Burnside, and the median home prices offering significant returns.
“This is not just data on a chart; it is evidence of a city on the rise, ready for investment. We are facilitating investment, building long-term relationships, and connecting a global audience with local opportunity — playing our part in Bulawayo’s property renaissance,” he said.
Mr Davies said Chas Everitt’s investment represented more than business expansion — it was a tangible vote of confidence in Zimbabwe’s economic trajectory.
“We’re highly cognisant of the fundamental role our sector plays in driving economic development. Our expansion is a vote of confidence in Zimbabwe’s future, and we’re committed to aligning with national priorities by contributing to Gross Domestic Product (GDP), generating employment, and attracting foreign investment,” he said.
Speaking at the same event, businessman Dr Busisa Moyo said a vibrant, modern property market not only attracts further investment but also drives industrial growth and enhances the quality of life for all citizens.
“Bulawayo is more than a point on a map; it is a testament to resilience, a cradle of craftsmanship, and the historic engine of Zimbabwe’s manufacturing. While we have faced challenges, our spirit of innovation has never waned. It is precisely this spirit that your presence here today, Chas Everitt, recognises and amplifies.
“Your decision to establish a footprint in Bulawayo is more than a business expansion; it signals to the market that Bulawayo is open for business and brimming with opportunity,” said Dr Moyo.
“The property industry is the foundation of tangible development. By strengthening this sector, you are not just constructing buildings; you are building ecosystems — spaces where businesses thrive, families put down roots, and the city’s next chapter unfolds.
“This vision aligns perfectly with a philosophy we have long championed: inclusive prosperity and homegrown innovation. True, sustainable development is cultivated, not imported. It requires partners who understand that success is measured not only on a balance sheet but by the positive impact felt across the community. Your presence here signifies such a partnership — a commitment to grow with us.
“It is a crucial piece of the puzzle in our journey toward sustainable development.”
