H&S Property News May ISSUE 2021

P R O P E R T YMAY 2021

N E W SB U Y I N G G U I D E | L O C A T I O N | L E G A L | F I N A N C E

Would You Buy a 3D-Printed House?
Take a Peek Inside the First of Its
Kind to Hit the Real Estate Market

Get legal guidance to be
followed when buying a

property.

PRODUCED BY



WELCOME PROPERTY
TO OUR NEWS
MAY ISSUE
TABLE OF
A little look behind the scenes at H&S: Publishing our CONTENTS

magazine over the past year has been interesting, challenging, Legal Tips to Buy a Property • . P5
rewarding, restorative, demanding, and sometimes just weird.
People ask, “How do you do it every month? How much can New Online Property
there be to cover with so many things closed?” My first reaction Market Launched • .P7
last March was similar: How do we put together a lifestyle
magazine when there’s no lifestyle? Lafarge Dry Mortar Mix
Commissioned • .P10
I couldn’t have been more wrong. There’s no shortage of
wonderful stories to tell, and that’s true this year perhaps more Westgate Renaissance • P. 12
than any other. I’m not sure we’ve ever had more engaging
covers or more worthwhile subjects. The country’s creative Home Staging for Agents &
types cooked up ways to reinvent themselves, and the Developers in Zimbabwe • P. 16
community shared a spirit of cooperation. We can’t gather with
hundreds of people in a theater for a live performance? Then The Making of a Home Part 4
we’ll devise an outdoor venue with space between people for a • P. 18
concert, event, or class. The gyms are all closed? We’ll work out
with fitness instructors in parks and in parking lots. And will we PUBLISHER
ever go to an office to work again? Exclusive Media (Pvt) Ltd
UK Distribution by Homes & Styles Magazine
This month’s cover story highlights innovations,, property Newsstand Magazine - www.newsstand.co.uk
buying tips, a suburb feature and architectural tips. We talk to UK office contacts -Agnes Zengeya on
an economist to see what’s in store for the rest of the year, and email:[email protected]
zoom into new innovations by Lafarge.
MANAGING EDITOR ShaanaPuwai
As we marked one year of pandemic life, there is much to OPERATIONS DIRECTOR Takunda Rusere
mourn: thousands of loved ones lost, businesses forced to close,
economic devastation, and the longing for shared experiences. SALES & MARKETING EXECUTIVE
But there are reasons for hope. We have learned and innovated. H&S SALES
We rejoice in simple pleasures. We recognize the things we
cherish most about H&S, and how excited we will be to get back DIGITAL MARKETING H&S Media
to them. This month, we honor and celebrate it all. CONTRIBUTORS

Happy reading,.. IDG | Takunda Rusere
PHOTOGRAPHERS
Takunda Rusere H&S Media
DESIGN & LAYOUT
[email protected] H&S Design

EXCLUSIVE MEDIA CONTACTS
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All rights reserved. Reproduction in part or in whole of this publication without
written permission is prohibited. The Editor welcomes contributions which, if
accepted at our normal rates and all rights (unless initially specifed otherwise)
remain with the publisher. Integrated Marketing Private Limited is not liable for
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advertisement or listings and relieves Exclusive Media



H&S PROPERTY NEWS

LEGAL TIPS
TO BUY A PROPERTY

By Batanai Perusah – Partner The title search is
Head of Corporate and Commercial Department essential because
Honey & Blankenberg Legal Practitioners it reveals whether
the seller has the
1. What does a prospective buyer need There are other means of obtaining legal right to sell
to look out for when buying a property? rights to title and/or rights to
occupation such as purchase of shares the property.
Title Deeds: (particularly in the case of flats, where a
This is the legal document which shows companyowns the Title Deed and each A buyer should
ownership. A buyer should always find out unit is allocated a certain number of always find out if the
if the stand/property being bought has shares); or cession agreements (where stand/property
title deeds which are already issued in the rights and obligations are transferred, being bought has
name of the Seller. If there are no Deeds rather than ownership). In those cases, title deeds which are
because the land is under development, a the buyer should still request sight of the already issued in the
buyer should confirm whether other title deed, but also the company name of the Seller.
relevant documents (such as a subdivision documents (including share certificates),
permit and/or development permit) are or in the case of a cession, should have
in place, and what actions are still sight of the principal agreement and
required to be taken before a title deed should make sure that the Cedent has
can be issued (known as compliance authority to cede his/her rights to the
requirements). This will assist in property.
determining when title will be handed
over.

HOMES & STYLES PROPERTY NEWS| 5

H&S PROPERTY NEWS

Encumbrances: The costs associated with conveyancing are set out in a
A prospective purchaser should always conveyancing tariff and in statutory regulations. Transfer fees
conduct a Deed Search to establish whether are calculated as a percentage of the purchase price, presently
the Title Deed is ‘clean’, that is, that there are 4%. In addition, stamp duty (which is a statutory fee) will be
no bonds, servitudes or caveats registered payable, and is also calculated in accordance with the value of
against the Deed which would either prevent the property. This fee is not a flat fee, but is calculated on a
transfer or require to be cancelled before sliding scale (e.g. 1% on the first US$5 000.00, 2% on the next
transfer can take place. US$10 000 – US$20 000 and so on).

Ownership: A registration fee will also be payable, and VAT of 14.5% on the
We are seeing more and more Agreements of transfer fee will also be payable. The purchaser will therefore
Sale where developers or Estate Agents are have to pay transfer fees plus VAT, stamp duty and registration
listed as the seller – even though they do not fees.
own the property. An Agreement of Sale
should always be in the name of the owner, 3. Any opinion/advice which you will give to a prospective
although authority to sign the Agreement can home buyer from a legal perspective?
always be given to someone else through a
Special Power of Attorney or Resolution. Whilst it may cost a little extra, it is always advisable to approach
a legal practitioner and have them draw up the Agreement of
Vacant Possession: Sale (or if the seller provides a draft Agreement, to review the
Always find out whether there is a tenant in Agreement of Sale). This will avoid any issues arising further on
the property, and make sure that the same is down the line, which could either de-rail the whole transaction,
dealt with in an Agreement of Sale. Who is or would result in additional costs being payable.
responsible for giving notice to the tenant?
What happens if they refuse to vacate the The method of payment of the purchase price must also be
property? clearly set out, and to be safe, the funds should be held by the
conveyancer until transfer of the property. Paying the seller
2. What is conveyancing when buying directly and up front can be very risky. If the purchase price is
property- fees associated and checks being funded by a mortgage bond, the issue of timing needs to
involved? be clearly set out. When will the mortgagor make payment? Will
it need to provide a letter of undertaking? If payment is being
Conveyancing is the process of effecting made offshore, the parties will need to confirm whether or not
transfer of ownership from the seller to the Exchange Control approval is required.
purchaser.
It is important to have an Agreement of Sale which deals with all
Once all other requirements have been met issues – particularly in regard to costs. It should be clear that the
(such as payment of the purchase price; seller should be responsible for the payment of Capital Gains
payment of Capital Gains Tax – unless the Tax, and that the buyer should be responsible for the payment of
seller is exempt; and payment for rates conveyancing fees. There must be agreement as to which party
clearance), the conveyancer will receive the will be responsible for thepayment for rates clearance, and that
old Title Deeds and will draw up new Title the seller should be up to date with the payment of all utilities. In
Deeds in the name of the purchaser. These will addition, it should be clear as to who is responsible for the
be lodged with the Registrar of Deeds. A copy payment of Estate Agent’s commission – if any, and the costs of
remains in the Registry, and another original drawing up the Agreement of Sale.
copy will be held by the buyer.

HOMES & STYLES PROPERTY NEWS| 6



H&S PROPERTY NEWS

MNAERWKEOTNPLLAINCEE PLRAOUNPECRHTEYD

By Patrick Muzondo
Director: Financial Markets Indaba
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.fmiproperty.com
Mobile: +44 7392 461547, +27 83 563 5699

Financial Markets Indaba in partnership with West The housing industry is closely tied to the economy—when
Property Zimbabwe convened experts with vast home sales are up, so are jobs. Together, these complementary
experience in residential property varying from forces create a more stable local, state and national economy.
developers, banks, property design consultants, With home ownership signifying so much, one needs to ensure
mortgage providers as well as representation from that a purchase decision is carefully analysed, planned and
the City of Harare to discuss affordability, design executed.
and security issues in buying and owning
apartments, houses and stands. The webinar We have launched FMI Property, an online platform that
provided insights to show Zimbabweans both local provides legit property developers and banks selling property
and in Diaspora, the safe and credible steps on mortgages. All you have to do is visit the website, identify
towards owning their own homes or buying a your stand or house of choice and start the online application
property for investment income purposes in process. FMI property provides a service which is specifically
Zimbabwe. The conference also focused on designed for Zimbabweans living abroad by providing them a
addressing all issues and concerns along the platform to have a safe, easy and convenient way to own
housing value chain that potential buyers in the property back home. It’s an initiative to help Zimbabweans in
Diaspora often come across: from accessing land the diaspora to channel their savings towards owning a house
for off-plan development; issues of title and in Zimbabwe without the stress of becoming a victim of
associated legal and regulatory issues around home fraudulent acts.
purchase and ownership.
FMI property makes your search for a mortgage loan seamless
Pride of ownership is probably the number one by bridging the communication gap between you and the
reason people enjoy owning their own homes. For developers or banks which is one of the biggest problems faced
many people, owning a home represents stability, by Non-Resident Zimbabweans today. Our team together with
independence and freedom. our partners consists of experts and professionals working to
expedite the mortgage loan process including providing the
The housing industry is closely tied to the economy relevant advisory services. Visit www.fmiproperty.com today
—when home sales are up, so are jobs. Together, and begin your journey to home ownership in Zimbabwe.
these complementary forces create a more stable
local, state and national economy. With home Background
ownership signifying so much, one needs to ensure
that a purchase decision is carefully analysed, The Financial Markets Indaba is a series of investment conferences convened
planned and executed. under Indaba Africa an Emergent Research network of interactive conferences
that seeks to profile the investment potential Africa. Emergent Research is a unit
of Emergent Capital Management, an investment advisory firm registered in
South Africa and with SEC Zimbabwe. Emergent Capital provides capital raising,
advisory services, and research services for international funds, institutional
investors and private investors investing in Africa.

HOMES & STYLES PROPERTY NEWS|



H&S PROPERTY NEWS NEWS

THE LAFARGE DRY MORTAR MIX
PLANT OFFICIALLY COMMISSIONED.

On the 28thof April, 2021 President Emmerson Mnangagwa Precious Nyika, CEO Lafarge Zimbabwe: “This automated
officially commissioned the Lafarge Cement Zimbabwe dry dry mortars plant will go a long way to improving local
mortar mix plant installed at a tune of US $2.8 million and supply of the range of products and will ultimately create
sourced from Turkey. more value for our customers the introduction of new
products. Furthermore, this capacity expansion translates
This investment is part of LafargeHolcim Group's US $25 to a guaranteed business growth opportunity for the
million three phased recapitalisation plan for Zimbabwe partners in our value chain Lafarge currently offers a range
which was announced in 2019. The launch of the dry of dry mortar products which include the tile adhesive
mortar mix plant precedes the Vertical Cement Mill project range known as Supafix which has made significant inroads
which is part of this expansion plan and is currently in
underway; targeted for launch in the first quarter of 2022. the individual home builders segment. The range also
includes the agricultural lime range under the name
The Lafarge dry mortars plant is set to propel the country’s SupaGrow and has a dolomiticc and calcitic variety. In 2020
capacity to supply dry mortar products which include tile the business supported the government led
adhesives and agricultural lime as it comes with an Pfumvunza sustainable agriculture programme with supply
expected total output of a staggering 100000 tonnes per of SupaGrow and continues to seek ways to
annum up from just 7 tonnes per annum. This positions the support agriculture development through this product line.
country for viable import substitution while also creating Another product under the dry mortars stable
greater latitude to explore export markets. that is very popular on the market is Impermo, a
waterproofing compound.

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H&S PROPERTY NEWS

Innovation under the dry mortars business has The material is pushed through a nozzle which SWEN
already started reaping results as the business regulates flow and is guided by computer-controlled
recently launched onto the market Zimbabwe’s first positioning process.
waterproofing cement under the brand name
Watershield. A first of its kind, this product is The material used in the process is cement based with
developed with hydro-defense technology and offers sand and specially designed admixtures as additives.3D
dual benefits of strength and structural integrity as printing technology offers a range of benefits which
well as water proofing, thereby preventing damage makes it a viable alternative construction technique for
to structures due to water ingress. affordable housing. The benefits include increased
construction speed; up to 50 – 70% faster than
Meanwhile, Lafarge remains committed to conventional method, enhanced sustainability as less
supporting the national housing development agenda materials are used (50mm thick walls versus 140mm)
through the introduction of new, exciting, game and affordability as construction costs are estimated to
changing technology to address some of the come down as much as 10-20%.
challenges with traditional methods of construction
– 3D printing. This technology has been developed To showcase the capabilities of 3D printing, Lafarge
by LafargeHolcim through its subsidiary 14 trees and Cement Zimbabwe will construct 10 units in
the new dry mortar mix plant will be producing the Knockmalloch under the affordable housing project
required 3D printing ink for our local projects. 3D currently underway. This project will afford relevant
printing is the molding of a structure by precisely stakeholders to witness and experience the capabilities
placing volumes of material in sequential layers on of this and innovative technology and it is anticipated
top of each other, constructing from the ground up. that this will attract more projects towards the use of
the technology to provide decent affordable housing.

3D Housing Illustration

HOMES & STYLES PROPERTY NEWS| 11

SURBURB REVIEW LOCATION & TRANSPORT
SPONSORED BY LAFARGE
The A1 route (Lomagundi Rd) runs
Westgate through Westgate, from Avondale.
Renaissance. Emerald Hill, and Bluffhill, major
suburb route that each carry four
Sought-after by families and professionals alike, lanes of traffic, also run through the
Westgate is undergoing an exciting renaissance. suburb. Westgate is well serviced in
terms of road access, but also very
busy due to this.

Public transport, in general, is
excellent. With the major transit
routes running through the suburb a
bus stop to the city is never very far
away. If you’re going into the CBD by
bus, it should take around 15
minutes. A bus station has been
constructed at the shopping mall
which is also a business hub

DEVELOPMENTS

Westgate is an outer-city suburb THINGS WE LOVE There is a lot of developments going up
about 13 kilometres North-west of in Westgate and surrounding areas right
Harare’s CBD. Undergoing a lot of Westgate is close to quite now. The construction of the new
change at the moment, the Westgate literally everything residents Parliament in Mt Hampden has ushered a
area is becoming one of the most need, which is convenient for scramble for property development, be it
sought-after by professionals and residents: farmers markets, the for residential use or industry. The new
families due to the proximity to the CBD, workplaces – it’s all close American embassy is also located in the
new Parliament in Mt Hampden, the by. heart of Westgate suburb, It’s is one of
great schools, the Westgate Mall, the biggest constriction projects
and its proximity to the CBD and completed within the area currently.
quite a few workplaces.
The Mall is right there! Enjoy the While the majority of Westgate has
Westgate is one of Harare’s fastest- atmosphere of the cinema, already been developed into house and
growing areas in terms of new restaurants, and more land estates over the last couple of
residential developments. In fact, throughout the year. decades, there are still a few areas
few locations in Harare have had as remaining. The surrounding suburbs of
much new houses activity as This area is built for families — Good Hope, Bluff Hill, and Adyllin are
Westgate and there is a lot of with plenty of entertainment capitalizing on the services and lifestyle
opportunity for buyers in this options for kids and parents to offering available in Westgate, with
suburb. enjoy all year round. house and land developments available in
all three suburbs.

HOMES & STYLES PROPERTY NEWS| 12

The Westgate Mall The new American Embassy

LIFESTYLE EDUCATION

Westgate is increasingly becoming known as the Situated in a great spot for both families and
place to go for fun, new restaurants and cafes. The young professionals, Westgate is close to some of
eclectic suburb is also home to several well-known the best schools in Harare and provides easy
stores that sell everything from second-hand access to the University of Zimbabwe as well as
furniture to limited-edition wines. Harare Polytechnic and St Johns Emerald Hill High
School.
The suburb demographic is primarily families.
There are a variety of facilities and community Masaisai Primary School sits just off Lorraine
hubs throughout the area that caters to the wide Drive, teaching grades 1–7. The closest public
demographic of people that call Westgate home. school to the area is Marlborough High School,
easily accessible within three to three and a half
kilometres from the majority of the suburb.

HOMES & STYLES PROPERTY NEWS| 13

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H&S PROPERTY NEWS

A house stsged for sale by H&S Projects team in Aspindale, Harare

By Takunda Rusere • Agents can benefit from home staging by spending less
time on viewings and less money marketing a home, as
Home staging is the act of preparing a home for sale in well as receive better commission due to the fact that the
real estate. It involves designing and decorating a home in home will most likely be sold at the seller’s asking price.
a way that would appeal to potential homebuyers. Agents • Even in a tough economic climate exacerbated by the
are generally tasked with the responsibility of marketing COVID-19 pandemic, it’s possible for agents to still make
and facilitating property transactions and hence are not a speedy sale.
expected to master the art of home staging. . However, Tips and advice for agents on how to stage a home:
according to Homes and Styles Editor, Shaana Puwai, , • The initial step should be to focus on analysing every
there are many benefits for agents and developers who room in the home to see what aspects can be adjusted to
decide to hire a professional home stager. be more appealing to potential buyers.
• Thereafter, make sure to declutter each room in the
Benefits of professional home staging: home to give buyers a clear view of the space, and the
• Presenting an empty property to potential homebuyers purpose for which its intended. Decluttering will also help
doesn’t set a good first impression. Home staging helps in to make the space appear more expansive.
creating the best possible first impression to potential • You can then depersonalise the space by adding neutral
buyers. furniture and decor to appeal to people of varying tastes.
• Property industry research shows that empty properties • Plants are an integral part of any living space and
tend to sit on the market longer than homes that are generally add to the general appeal of a home.
professionally staged. By staging your home, you will Strategically place some plants and art in certain areas to
increase its chances of being sold. The average selling make the home more visually appealing.
time for properties on the market is approximately 30 • Last but not least, you need to ensure that the
days, however with professional home staging, many environment is kept as neat and tidy as possible. Be sure
homes have been sold on the first day at the seller’s to give the home a clean sweep, and if the home has a
asking price. garden, make sure it is in pristine condition.
• Professional home stagers have extensive knowledge If implemented well, the home staging guidelines and tips
and skills relating to interior design. Finer details to do provided above will help to reduce the stress involved in
with decr will therefore be taken care of. home staging and improve the chances of selling the
home profitably without delays.

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H&S PROPERTY NEWS

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H&S PROPERTY NEWS

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HOMES & STYLES MAGAZINE| 22

HOMES & STYLES PROPERTY NEWS| 19

STANDS
OUR STANDS ARE NOW
AVAILABLE FOR VIEWING SELLING

GOLDEN HEIGHTS

Stand 2312, Golden Heights, Features
Shamva, Zimbabwe
Tel: +263 662137464 Low density
Cell: +263 772 885 749 1500sqm – 8000sqm
Residential Stands/
+263 776 165 170 Agro-residential Stands
School & Church Stands
WWW.GOLDENHEIGHTS.CO.ZW Serviced

H&S PROPERTY NEWS
H&S PROPERTY NEWS

UPCOMING SHAMVA
RESIDENTIAL SUBURB

Golden Heights is located 28km from Bindura (The Provincial 21
Capital of Mashonaland Central), and 89km north of Harare. The
housing scheme is just a step away from Shamva Town center, the
sleeping giant of Shamva District. Golden Heights housing scheme
is committed to offering descent, and world-class
accommodation.

Golden Heights is a Low-density residential scheme, withstands
measuring from 1500sqm to 8000sqm, with the exception of
institutional stands that exceed that range. Available stands
include the aforementioned residential stands, agro-residential
plots industrial stands, creche stands, school stands, church
stands, and cemetery stands. Historically, Goldenheights was a
Farm called “Remainder of Samva”, owned by the Gurumombe
family, but because of the proximity to the town center the farm
was subdivided, and the subdivision permit granted in 2013. From
the inception of the Golden Heights Housing Scheme, quality
standards and decency have always been at the heart of all
operations.

The stands have been serviced; road servitude and water
connections have already been implemented to the satisfaction of
compliance standards of local authority bodies namely ZINWA and
CRDC (Chaminuka Rural District Council), but suffice to say that
servicing of the housing scheme is still in progress to reach the
envisioned standard.

The stands are sold with flexible payment terms and have title
deeds. www.goldenheights.co.zw

HOMES & STYLES PROPERTY NEWS|