Business Correspondent
Bulawayo – Zimbabwe’s property market is experiencing a significant boom, largely driven by investment from citizens living abroad, with diaspora remittances surging to a record US$2.2 billion in 2024.
This 22% increase from 2023 has cemented remittances as a critical lifeline for the national economy, with a substantial portion being channeled directly into real estate, from high-end suburban homes to affordable serviced stands.
Top Areas in High Demand
Estate agents report a clear pattern of demand, with hotspots emerging in and around the capital. Premium suburbs like Borrowdale and Pomona remain the top choice for high-value, long-term family homes in secure, gated communities. Areas such as Mount Pleasant Heights are favoured for their modern cluster homes and proximity to good schools and infrastructure.
“For our clients in the diaspora, security and peace of mind are the top priorities,” said Mr. Tawanda Marimo, a Harare-based real estate agent.
“That’s why gated estates in these areas are so popular. They are buying not just a house, but a safe haven for their families back home.”
Other areas seeing a surge in interest include Madokero for its well-planned, affordable housing developments; Ruwa and Damofalls for flexible payment plans on stands; and the Mazowe corridor for those seeking larger agricultural or peri-urban plots.
Why Zimbabweans Abroad Are Investing Back Home
The trend is driven by more than just emotional ties. Experts point to several key factors turning diaspora investment into a major market force.
“Property is seen as a stable, tangible asset that protects against inflation and currency volatility,” explained economic analyst Mrs. Tendai Mubata.
“With remittances now at US$2.2 billion, we are seeing a structural shift where this inflow is directly shaping urban development and providing a crucial source of foreign currency.”
Many buyers are motivated by retirement planning or the desire to provide secure accommodation for relatives. The potential for strong rental yields, often between 6% and 12% in prime areas, also makes real estate an attractive income-generating investment.
The Future of the Market
Industry insiders predict this trend will only strengthen in 2025, with demand expected to spread beyond Harare to emerging growth hubs like Victoria Falls, Mutare, and Gweru.
“For Zimbabweans abroad, buying property is a powerful statement,” concluded Mr. Marimo.
“It is an investment in their future return and a lasting symbol of their connection to home.”
Get real-time alerts on WhatsApp:
+263 773 820 323 For in-depth coverage, visit our website: www.zimgbcnews.co.zw
· X (Twitter): @ZimGbc ·Instagram: @ZimGBCNews
·TikTok: @ZimGBCNews_01 ·Facebook: Zim GBC News
·YouTube: Zim GBC News
Zim GBC News | Global News From An African Perspective©2025
Business Correspondent
Bulawayo – Zimbabwe’s property market is experiencing a significant boom, largely driven by investment from citizens living abroad, with diaspora remittances surging to a record US$2.2 billion in 2024.
This 22% increase from 2023 has cemented remittances as a critical lifeline for the national economy, with a substantial portion being channeled directly into real estate, from high-end suburban homes to affordable serviced stands.
Top Areas in High Demand
Estate agents report a clear pattern of demand, with hotspots emerging in and around the capital. Premium suburbs like Borrowdale and Pomona remain the top choice for high-value, long-term family homes in secure, gated communities. Areas such as Mount Pleasant Heights are favoured for their modern cluster homes and proximity to good schools and infrastructure.
“For our clients in the diaspora, security and peace of mind are the top priorities,” said Mr. Tawanda Marimo, a Harare-based real estate agent.
“That’s why gated estates in these areas are so popular. They are buying not just a house, but a safe haven for their families back home.”
Other areas seeing a surge in interest include Madokero for its well-planned, affordable housing developments; Ruwa and Damofalls for flexible payment plans on stands; and the Mazowe corridor for those seeking larger agricultural or peri-urban plots.
Why Zimbabweans Abroad Are Investing Back Home
The trend is driven by more than just emotional ties. Experts point to several key factors turning diaspora investment into a major market force.
“Property is seen as a stable, tangible asset that protects against inflation and currency volatility,” explained economic analyst Mrs. Tendai Mubata.
“With remittances now at US$2.2 billion, we are seeing a structural shift where this inflow is directly shaping urban development and providing a crucial source of foreign currency.”
Many buyers are motivated by retirement planning or the desire to provide secure accommodation for relatives. The potential for strong rental yields, often between 6% and 12% in prime areas, also makes real estate an attractive income-generating investment.
The Future of the Market
Industry insiders predict this trend will only strengthen in 2025, with demand expected to spread beyond Harare to emerging growth hubs like Victoria Falls, Mutare, and Gweru.
“For Zimbabweans abroad, buying property is a powerful statement,” concluded Mr. Marimo.
“It is an investment in their future return and a lasting symbol of their connection to home.”
Get real-time alerts on WhatsApp:
+263 773 820 323 For in-depth coverage, visit our website: www.zimgbcnews.co.zw
· X (Twitter): @ZimGbc ·Instagram: @ZimGBCNews
·TikTok: @ZimGBCNews_01 ·Facebook: Zim GBC News
·YouTube: Zim GBC News
Zim GBC News | Global News From An African Perspective©2025