The diaspora remains one of the biggest drivers of activity in the country’s property market. According to the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe, total diaspora remittances reached $2.45 billion in 2025, with a significant portion going into real estate. PropertyBook’s own analysis shows diaspora buyers now account for around 30 percent of luxury property transactions — up from 15 percent in 2022. Many Zimbabweans living abroad are investing in real estate as a way to build wealth, secure retirement plans, or maintain a connection with home.
While buyers’ interests differ, a handful of suburbs have emerged as clear favourites among diaspora buyers in 2026. These locations offer a combination of security, infrastructure, lifestyle amenities, investment potential and long-term value.
Where Zimbabweans Abroad Invest
1. Borrowdale: The Gold Standard of Zimbabwean Real Estate
Borrowdale continues to attract significant interest from diaspora investors seeking premium residential property. Home to several high-end residential estates, including Borrowdale Brooke, the suburb remains one of Harare’s most prestigious addresses.
For many diaspora families, Borrowdale represents stability and status. The suburb’s strong track record of value retention also makes it attractive to investors looking to preserve wealth while benefiting from potential capital appreciation.
The growing popularity of cluster developments and gated estates has further increased Borrowdale’s appeal among buyers who prefer low-maintenance properties that can be managed remotely. Current Propertybook listings show Borrowdale property values ranging from $19,500 to $10,800,000, with a median of $495,000.
Why Diaspora Buyers Love Borrowdale
- Established reputation as a premium residential location
- Strong rental yields and capital growth potential
- Security and well-managed gated estates
- Premium lifestyle amenities
- Established infrastructure
This suburb is perfect for established professionals who want both status and a strong investment.
2. Mount Pleasant: Family + Diplomat Pick
Mount Pleasant has evolved into one of Harare’s most sought-after residential areas. Located close to the city centre while maintaining a suburban atmosphere, it appeals to both families and investors.
The suburb benefits from excellent educational institutions, mature infrastructure and growing demand for rental accommodation from professionals and university staff. New cluster housing developments have also created opportunities for diaspora buyers seeking modern homes with manageable maintenance requirements.
This suburb hosts numerous diplomatic residences, non-governmental organisations and professional households, helping sustain demand for quality rental accommodation. Many investors view Mount Pleasant as a balanced option that combines prestige with strong rental demand.
Why Diaspora Buyers Love Mount Pleasant
- Proximity to major business districts, schools and other lifestyle amenities
- Strong rental market driven by NGO workers, professionals and university staff
- Growing cluster home developments
- High resale demand
This suburb is perfect for families, professionals and those planning a future retirement home back in Zimbabwe. Based on current Propertybook listings, house prices in Mount Pleasant range from $300,000 to $1.5 million, with a median of around $650,000.
3. Mount Pleasant Heights: The Rising Star
One of the biggest beneficiaries of diaspora investment in recent years has been Mount Pleasant Heights. The suburb has attracted buyers looking for modern developments at more accessible entry values than traditional northern suburbs, an aspect proving overally important to Zimbabwean buyers.
Serviced stands, new residential projects and improved infrastructure have positioned Mount Pleasant Heights as a growth corridor with considerable future potential. Proximity to the University of Zimbabwe, Arundel and Westgate reaffirms this suburb as one of the most favoured by diaspora buyers.
For diaspora buyers seeking to build custom homes or enter emerging residential markets, Mount Pleasant Heights offers a combination of modern development and long-term growth potential. Current Propertybook listings show houses in Mount Pleasant Heights ranging from $165,000 to $500,000, with a median of $280,000.
Why Diaspora Buyers Love Mount Pleasant Heights
- Modern developments
- Competitive property prices
- Ongoing infrastructure improvements
- Strong growth potential
- Family-friendly environment
4. Ruwa: Affordable Growth with Long-Term Potential
Located east of Harare, Ruwa continues to attract diaspora buyers seeking value for money. The town offers larger residential stands and relatively affordable property prices compared to many Harare suburbs.
Ongoing residential development and improved transport links have helped transform Ruwa into one of Zimbabwe’s most promising property markets. Buyers are particularly attracted by opportunities to acquire land for future development, and this suburb also attracts those seeking serviced stands with flexible payment plans.
For investors with a long-term outlook, Ruwa offers the potential for significant capital growth as urban expansion continues. Current Propertybook listings show the median house price in Ruwa at around $96,000 — significantly lower than many northern suburbs.
Why Diaspora Buyers Love Ruwa
- Affordable land and housing
- Large residential stands
- Growing infrastructure
- Strong future appreciation potential
- Flexible development opportunities
Ruwa appeals to buyers seeking larger residential stands, lower entry values and exposure to future growth as Harare’s urban footprint continues to expand eastward.
5. Madokero: Modern Living at an Accessible Price Point
Madokero has become increasingly popular among diaspora buyers looking for modern housing developments without the premium prices associated with northern Harare suburbs. Developers offer USD instalment plans to make purchases more accessible from abroad.
The suburb’s planned residential developments, improving road networks and growing commercial amenities have contributed to rising demand. Buyers are also attracted by rental opportunities created by young professionals and families moving into the area.
For many diaspora buyers, Madokero is attractive for its affordability, convenience and future growth. Current Propertybook listings show the median house price in Madokero at around $120,000 — making it one of Harare’s more accessible modern residential developments.
Why Diaspora Buyers Love Madokero
- Affordable entry prices
- Modern housing developments
- Growing commercial infrastructure
- Rental investment opportunities
- Strong demand from young families
What This All Means
The diaspora keeps buying in these areas because property is a safe hedge against currency volatility, a way to stay connected with home, and for some, a practical means of supporting family back in Zimbabwe by housing them well. While premium locations such as Borrowdale and Mount Pleasant remain highly desirable, emerging areas like Mount Pleasant Heights, Ruwa and Madokero are increasingly attracting attention from investors seeking growth opportunities.
As infrastructure improves and new developments come to market, these suburbs are likely to remain among the most closely watched property destinations for Zimbabweans abroad in the years ahead.
Practical Tips for Diaspora Buyers
- Verify everything before you make one of the most important decisions in your life. Title deed fraud has become a major problem in Zimbabwe’s property market — always confirm the deeds independently.
- Target “off-grid” ready properties. A property with solar and a borehole holds more value and rents faster.
- Work with registered agents and verify their EACZ registration.
- Take advantage of developer USD instalment plans (typically 6–24 months) where available.
Sources & References
- Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe (RBZ). 2026 Monetary Policy Statement — February 2026, delivered by Governor John Mushayavanhu. https://www.rbz.co.zw
- PropertyBook. Analyzing Zimbabwe’s Luxury Property Market in 2025. https://www.propertybook.co.zw/blog/analyzing-zimbabwe-s-luxury-property-market-in-2025
- NewZimbabwe.com. Diaspora Remittances Fuel Property Boom in Zimbabwe (September 2025).
- PropertyBook. Cluster Homes in Harare: Where Should You Buy? https://www.propertybook.co.zw/blog/cluster-homes-in-harare-where-should-you-buy
- PropertyBook current listings — suburb-level price data accessed June 2026 from https://www.propertybook.co.zw
