Johnson Progress

Local authorities in Zimbabwe are contributing to the country’s escalating property prices, according to Patience Patongamwoyo, CEO of Seeff Properties.

 

Excessive demands and red tape are frustrating investors and driving up costs in the sector.

 

Speaking at the CEO Africa Annual Roundtable 2025, Patongamwoyo highlighted the challenges posed by local authorities.

 

“Local authority engagement is vital for driving smart investment in Africa, but it often faces significant challenges,” she said, emphasizing the need for streamlined processes.

 

Patongamwoyo explained that bureaucratic barriers are a regional concern, slowing decision-making and deterring potential investors.

 

“The bureaucratic barriers can slow decision-making, deterring potential investors,” she noted.

 

Furthermore, many local authorities lack the capacity and resources needed to manage sustainable development projects effectively, Patongamwoyo added.

 

This is exacerbating the issue of high property prices in Zimbabwe, making it one of the most expensive markets in the region.

 

Zimbabwe has taken steps to reduce the high cost of doing business, but the property market remains a challenge.

 

Experts attribute the soaring prices to various factors, including local authority demands and inefficiencies.

 

The average price of houses in Zimbabwe is around $128,000, with prices varying by region and property type.

 

In Harare, prices are significantly higher, averaging $250,000.

 

Addressing these issues is crucial to attracting investment and promoting sustainable development in Zimbabwe’s property sector.