Online Reporter
THE alarming proliferation of bogus estate agents in Manicaland should concern everyone who dreams of owning a home or investing in property.
It is a troubling development that threatens, not only the integrity of the property sector, but also the financial security of ordinary citizens who often spend years, and sometimes decades, saving for a place to call their own.
Property ownership represents one of the biggest financial decisions that most people will ever make. Unlike smaller purchases, buying a house or a piece of land usually involves life savings, pension payouts, inheritance money or loans that take years to repay. It is therefore deeply disturbing that unregistered and unqualified individuals are increasingly positioning themselves as estate agents, exposing unsuspecting buyers and sellers to fraud, financial loss and endless legal disputes.
The revelations that Manicaland has only a handful of registered estate agents, while dozens of unlicenced operators are actively conducting property transactions should serve as a wake-up call for authorities. The mushrooming of these illegal operators points to a growing market for shortcuts and informal transactions, a situation that creates fertile ground for criminal activity.
Property fraud is not a victimless crime. Its consequences can be devastating. A family that loses thousands of dollars in a fraudulent deal may never recover financially.
Some victims lose retirement packages accumulated over an entire working life. Others are forced into debt after paying for properties that do not exist, are owned by someone else, or are entangled in legal disputes. Such losses often leave emotional scars that linger long after the money is gone.
The rise of social media has unfortunately made the problem worse. Platforms such as Facebook and WhatsApp have become convenient marketplaces for property advertisements. While technology has made it easier to connect buyers and sellers, it has also opened doors for fraudsters who can create convincing advertisements with photographs and descriptions that appear genuine.
A well-crafted online advertisement can easily lure desperate buyers into making payments before conducting the necessary checks.
Particularly vulnerable are Zimbabweans in the diaspora. Many are eager to invest back home and often rely on information obtained through social media or intermediaries. The distance makes it difficult for them to physically inspect properties or independently verify ownership details. As a result, they become easy targets for fraudsters who understand the emotional desire of many expatriates to build homes or acquire investment properties in their country of origin.
The law exists for a reason.
Registered estate agents are subject to professional standards, regulatory oversight and disciplinary procedures.
They are expected to conduct due diligence, verify ownership documents and ensure that transactions comply with legal requirements. More importantly, there are mechanisms for accountability when mistakes occur. Unregistered agents, on the other hand, operate outside the law and often disappear when problems arise, leaving victims with little or no recourse.
Authorities must therefore move decisively to bring bogus estate agents to book. Law enforcement agencies, local authorities and regulatory bodies should intensify investigations and prosecute individuals who are illegally conducting estate agency business. The practice should not be treated as a minor administrative offence.
It is an economic crime that can destroy livelihoods and erode public confidence in the property market.
There is also need for stronger public awareness campaigns. Many citizens simply do not know how to distinguish between registered and unregistered agents. Information on how to verify estate agents and property ownership should be widely disseminated through newspapers, radio stations, social media platforms and community meetings. Prevention remains one of the most effective tools in combating property fraud.
At the same time, prospective property buyers must accept personal responsibility for protecting themselves. The temptation to seek quick deals or avoid professional fees often leads people into the hands of fraudsters. Property transactions should never be approached casually. Buying a house is not the same as purchasing everyday goods at a market.
Due diligence is essential. Before committing money to any property transaction, buyers should verify ownership through the Deeds Office, local authorities and other relevant institutions. They should insist on seeing original title documents and seek the services of registered estate agents and qualified legal practitioners. No amount of urgency or pressure should persuade a buyer to skip these critical steps.
Prospective buyers should be particularly cautious when dealing with individuals who demand deposits before documentation is verified, refuse to provide proof of ownership or insist on conducting transactions outside established legal channels. Such warning signs should immediately raise suspicion.
The message is clear.
Property ownership can transform lives and create lasting wealth, but only when transactions are conducted lawfully and transparently. The ongoing menace of bogus estate agents requires robust enforcement from authorities and greater vigilance from the public.
Zimbabwe cannot afford a property market dominated by fraudsters and opportunists. Those operating illegally must be removed from the sector, while citizens must be empowered with the knowledge and tools necessary to protect their investments. Only then can confidence be restored and home-seekers pursue their dreams without the fear of losing their hard-earned life savings.
