Online Reporter
Nelson Gahadza
Zimbabwe is experiencing a growing interest in and demand for gated communities, driven by the need for security, privacy and exclusivity, particularly among middle to high income earners.
These communities offer a range of benefits, including enhanced security features, modern amenities and services. Gated communities are also seen as a valuable investment opportunity. With property values expected to appreciate over time, investors are flocking to these communities to capitalise on the potential returns.
In Zimbabwe, in line with the demand for gated communities, developers are responding with innovative designs and amenities.
Pokugara Estate, Arlington Estate, Mabvazuva and Aspire Heights are some of the first gated communities in Harare. These developments are not only attracting local buyers but also appealing to international investors looking for secure and profitable real estate options.
As the trend continues, it is likely that more such projects will emerge, reshaping the landscape of urban living in Zimbabwe.
Established and listed companies such as CBZ Holdings and Old Mutual Zimbabwe, through their subsidiaries, have launched ambitious housing projects that fit into the gated communities.
CBZ Holdings, through its subsidiary, Datvest, has embarked on a $150 million housing project, Northgate, a mixed-use residential park with 8 000 households.
The project, according to Lawrence Nyazema, the group’s chief executive, has a unique perspective because it is going to have five or six architectural designs that will be rolled out across the entire estate.
“It is going to be a gated community, and an easy example of what we are trying to create here is almost identical to Sandton in South Africa. The only difference is that Northgate is in Harare. So it is an exciting project, and we believe in providing quality housing to Zimbabweans,” he said.
In an interview, Nyazema said the group’s property portfolio continues to deliver strong potential returns. He said while the property market in Zimbabwe is relatively limited, recent trends show growth, particularly in residential portfolios, and the group has benefited from property appreciation in its own portfolio.
“We continue to achieve high yields and occupancy rates across our own portfolios.” Additionally, the group manages developments on behalf of clients, particularly the gated communities such as Northgate and Dabuka, which have recently attracted strong market attention,” he said.
Nyazema said while the group itself does not invest directly in gated communities, it manages such developments on behalf of its clients.
“Generally, residential property, particularly in gated communities, has shown strong uptake in Zimbabwe, largely driven by the housing shortage in Harare.
“Compared to traditional investments such as stocks or bonds, property tends to offer more stable long-term capital appreciation and rental income, though it is less liquid,” he said.
He noted that stocks and bonds, on the other hand, may provide quicker returns but often carry higher volatility, but in Zimbabwe’s context, residential property continues to be viewed as a relatively secure investment option.
Analysts view gated communities as attractive investment assets due to their unique blend of security, exclusivity and amenities. Here are some key points to consider:
Some of the benefits of investing in gated communities include higher property values.
For instance, homes in gated communities typically sell for an average of $45.000 more than comparable properties in non-gated areas, and they attract tenants who value security and amenities, providing a steady rental income stream.
In addition, properties in gated communities tend to appreciate faster than those in non-gated areas, making them a potentially lucrative long-term investment.
Old Mutual Zimbabwe, through its investment arm Old Mutual Investments, is developing a $12 million housing development project, Prospect 1, in Harare, encompassing 136 standalone houses and high-rise buildings.
According to group chief executive Mr Samuel Matsekete, the housing project will feature central infrastructure which includes alternative energy or supplementary water supply systems to support the thriving communities.
“We have been involved with property developments for a while and have probably mostly witnessed our projects and properties in the commercial sector, the retail sector, and some offices in commercial properties in residential areas.
“Therefore, this is a continuing journey on the part of Old Mutual, but there are things that we are changing in terms of modernisation as technologies evolve and solutions that we are also adapting,” he said.
Zimbabwe has also seen a growing interest in sustainable and green buildings, driven by the need to reduce environmental impact and promote eco-friendly construction practices.
The trend has been evident in both residential and commercial developments, with a focus on incorporating green technologies and sustainable design elements.
Green features and technologies in buildings mainly focus on minimising environmental impact and maximising resource efficiency throughout the building’s lifecycle.
