What Zim Property Buyers Want in 2025 – Trends & Insights

Admin April 11, 2025

As Zimbabwe’s real estate market matures, 2025 is shaping up to be a transformative year for property buyers. Driven by a mix of digital behavior shifts, evolving financial preferences, and lifestyle aspirations, the modern Zimbabwean buyer is more informed—and more selective—than ever before.

Here’s what buyers are looking for in 2025, according to insights from property.co.zw and broader market trends.

1. Location Still Reigns but with a New Lens

Traditionally, suburbs like Borrowdale, Mount Pleasant, and Avondale have dominated buyer interest. But 2025 brings a shift: emerging suburbs like Madokero and  Sunway City are gaining traction due to improved infrastructure and affordability.

Top Buyer Priorities:

  • Proximity to amenities (schools, shops, healthcare)

  • Road access and public transport

  • Low crime rates and secure neighborhoods

πŸ“Š property.co.zw data shows a spike in searches for properties “close to CBD but affordable,” indicating a desire for convenience without compromising budget.

2. Budget-Conscious, But Not Compromising on Quality

With economic uncertainty still influencing financial decisions, buyers are keenly focused on value for money. But that doesn’t mean they’re cutting corners buyers want modern fittings, tiled floors, solar power, and boreholes as standard features, even in starter homes.

πŸ’‘ Expect demand to rise for townhouses, cluster homes, and well-built flats.

3. Digital-First Buyers Are the New Normal

Over 2.6 million search impressions and 284,000 clicks on property.co.zw in the last 3 months alone reveal something critical: Zim buyers are doing their homework online. They’re comparing listings, looking at photos, reading blogs, and checking social media before contacting an agent.

What this means:

  • Listings without clear photos, pricing, or detailed descriptions are skipped

  • Virtual tours, drone shots, and WhatsApp chat integrations can set agents apart

  • Buyers are researching developers and agent reputations before reaching out

4. A Strong Shift Toward Gated Communities & Clusters

Security and community living are top of mind. Properties in gated estates and cluster housing developments are in high demand—especially those with extras like shared boreholes, backup power, and managed waste services.

🏑 More buyers are asking: “Is there a homeowners’ association?” and “What are the levies?”—showing a deeper interest in managed living.

5. Sustainability Is Becoming a Priority

In 2025, sustainability is no longer a buzzword—it’s a buyer expectation. From solar geysers to rainwater harvesting tanks, home seekers are increasingly drawn to properties that are future-proof.

🌞 Listings that mention “solar backup,” “green features,” or “eco-friendly design” are getting more clicks and inquiries than those that don’t.

6. Diaspora Buyers Are Looking for Investment-Ready Options

Diaspora Zimbabweans continue to be a significant driver of real estate demand. However, many now prefer turnkey solutions—completed or near-completion homes in secure locations.

Key concerns for diaspora buyers:

  • Title deeds and property legality

  • Developer track record

  • Flexible payment options and mortgage support

Final Thought: The Informed Buyer Has Arrived

The Zimbabwean property buyer in 2025 is informed, digitally savvy, and value-driven. Real estate agents, developers, and platforms that understand and adapt to these expectations will be best positioned to lead the market.

At property.co.zw, we’ll continue to track these trends and empower you with the insights you need—whether you’re buying, selling, or investing.

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