In many countries, buying a home is simple. You save a deposit. The bank gives you a mortgage. You pay it back over 20 or 30 years. In Zimbabwe, that path barely exists.
On 4 July 2026, a property leader made this clear. Mike Juru, who chairs the REIT Association of Zimbabwe, said the market still has no 25-year mortgages.
“Property is a long-term investment, and we need the 25-year money. Imagine, right now, we don't have 25-year money. That's our cry.” — Mike Juru
So how do people buy homes here? Let's walk through it.
Why mortgages are so rare
The problem is trust in the future. Banks lend long-term money only when they feel safe about it.
Zimbabwe's history makes that hard. We have seen currency changes and shifting rules. Prices and exchange rates can move fast. So banks fear lending money for 25 years, because they cannot be sure what a dollar will be worth by then.
Instead, banks stick to short-term loans. Some short-term lenders charge interest by the month, not by the year, at rates far too high for buying a home. So most people simply avoid loans altogether.
The main ways people buy today
If the bank is not the answer, what is? Here are the real paths buyers use.
1. Cash
Many buyers pay cash. This is often money saved in US dollars, or funds from a business. Cash gives you power to negotiate. But saving a full house price takes time and discipline.
2. Developer payment plans
This is one of the most popular routes. Many developers now offer in-house instalment plans. You pay over 12 to 24 months, straight to the developer. No bank needed.
The deposit is usually large, and the term is short compared to a mortgage. But it lets you spread the cost and move in sooner. Always read the contract and confirm what happens if you miss a payment.
3. Diaspora support
Zimbabweans abroad are a huge force in property. In 2025, they sent home about US$2.45 billion. Much of it goes into buying and building homes.
Families often pool money. A relative in the UK or South Africa funds a purchase back home. A smart tip: send money in clear, verified stages tied to real progress. That protects everyone and reduces the risk of fraud.
4. REITs
Not everyone can buy a whole house. A REIT — a Real Estate Investment Trust — lets you own a small share of property instead. You invest a smaller amount and earn a share of the returns. It is a way to enter the market without huge upfront cash.
What this means for the market
Because so few buyers borrow, the market carries very little mortgage debt, and forced sales from loan defaults are rare. But industry leaders say the missing long-term finance also holds the market back.
Juru and the REIT Association argue that without 25-year money, the sector cannot unlock investment on a much larger scale. For now, many buyers rely on cash, family abroad, or short developer plans.
Your practical game plan
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Save in a stable currency where you can.
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Compare developer payment plans, and read every term.
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If using diaspora funds, release money in verified stages.
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Consider a REIT to start small.
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Always use a registered agent and a lawyer.
Quick answers (FAQ)
Can I get a home loan in Zimbabwe?
Long-term 25-year mortgages are not available right now. Most buyers use cash, developer payment plans, or diaspora funds instead.
What is a developer payment plan?
It is an in-house instalment plan. You pay the developer directly, usually over 12 to 24 months, without a bank.
Are developer payment plans safe?
They can be, if you use a registered developer, read the contract, and check what happens if you miss a payment. Always involve a lawyer.
Until long-term mortgages return, most buyers rely on cash, developer plans, and diaspora funds. Explore homes, stands, and developments with flexible payment plans on Propertybook.
