Estate agents urged to play active in framework implementation

H-Metro Reporter
Real estate agents have been called upon to play an active role in the implementation of Statutory Instrument 76 of 2025, which introduces the validation and conversion of property title deeds into securitised title deeds as Zimbabwe moves towards a modernised land administration system.
The call was made during an engagement which was organised by CaseLink Africa, a property rights organisation saw representatives from the real estate sector, having discussions on how estate agents will participate in the nationwide implementation of the new framework took place.
The meeting, coordinated by Makanaka Msipa of CaseLink Africa, brought together representatives from real estate among other industry players.
Addressing participants, Msipa outlined the implementation framework and the role real estate agents are expected to play in creating awareness among property owners and facilitating access to the validation process.
“According to the presentation, SI 76 of 2025 requires property owners to have their existing title deeds validated and converted into new securitised title deeds within a 24-month implementation period.
“It will provide a free, no-obligation pre-screening service to assess each property file before referring qualifying matters to DLAP-trained conveyancers responsible for electronic lodgement.
“The pre-screening process is intended to identify potential issues early, allowing property owners to address any outstanding matters before formal submission.
“We want participants that only conveyancers trained under the Digital Land Administration Platform (DLAP) will be authorised to lodge applications electronically.
“Some categories of property, including lost title deeds, deceased estates, bonded properties and company-owned properties, will require additional procedures before conversion can be completed.”
He further said the transition is designed to enhance the security of property ownership records, reduce opportunities for fraud and improve efficiency within Zimbabwe’s property registration system.
Real estate agents welcomed the engagement, saying it provided clarity on their expected role in assisting clients to understand the requirements of the new framework.
“The meeting emphasised the importance of public education to ensure that property owners are informed about the validation process and the steps required to obtain the new securitised title deeds.
“We agreed that cooperation between Government, conveyancers, estate agents and technology partners will be essential for the successful implementation of SI 76 of 2025.
“If implemented as outlined during the engagement, the initiative will mark a significant milestone in the digital transformation of Zimbabwe’s property sector and reshape the way title deeds are managed and secured,” said one of the attendees.