Written by Tafadzwa James Mr. (Senior Associate, LLB (Hons) (UZ), LMCO (UZ))
More often than not our practice receives inquiries from foreign nationals on whether or not they can legally acquire immovable properties within the confines of Zimbabwean jurisdiction. Many rush into the conclusion that it is impossible. Legally speaking, there are no restrictions on a foreign national’s direct purchase of real estate within the Zimbabwean Jurisdiction. This is aptly addressed by section 71 (2) of Constitution of Zimbabwe Amendment (No. 20) Act of 2013 which reads;
“Subject to section 72, every person has a right, in any part of Zimbabwe, to acquire, hold, occupy, use, transfer, hypothecate, lease or dispose of all forms of property, either individually or in association with others.”
The above stated provision of the constitution makes it clear that any person (person at law includes natural and juristic person) whether a Zimbabwean citizen or not can purchase immovable properties in Zimbabwe and, be entitled to the privileges that are automatically attached with the acquisition of a property as listed in section 71(2).
However the above stated section is made subject to section 72 of the constitution. Section 72 of the constitution speaks to the legal taxonomy that is related to ownership, control and acquisition of agricultural land which is a different topic all together. However a point should be made that should one wish to acquire either a residential or commercial piece of land, there are no legal restrictions whatsoever that can impede the same.
(This article is provided for informational purposes only and not for the purpose of providing legal advice.)