Want to know where the rich actually live in Harare? The answer isn't complicated. One can simply say "Harare North." But more specifically? The answer still isn't that difficult.
Ten years ago, Borrowdale was the easy answer. It's not incorrect today. But there's a new kid on the block, one that consistently tops every "best of" list.
Highlands Harare - perched 1,600 meters above sea level in the city's coveted "Golden Triangle" - is now arguably Zimbabwe's most prestigious address.
This isn't just marketing speak. The numbers prove it. Houses for sale in Highlands Harare average $620,000. That's over double the Harare average of $250,000. Why? Because when diplomats, mining executives, and Zimbabwe's wealthiest families choose where to call home, they choose Highlandss.
If you're wondering which is the best suburb in Harare, as of 2025, the answer is widely considered to be Highlands. This complete guide reveals everything you need to know about Highlands Harare property for sale - from pricing realities to lifestyle perks that justify the premium.
The Numbers Don't Lie: Highlands' Property Market Reality
Houses for sale in Highlands Harare command serious money for serious reasons. Here's what the market actually looks like:
Average Property Prices:
- Overall average: $660,000
- Entry-level properties: $180,000-$380,000
- Mid-range homes: $400,000-$680,000
- Premium estates: $700,000-$1,500,000
- Price per square meter: $1,300
Property Mix Breakdown:
- Townhouses: 45% (the clear favorite)
- Houses: 25%
- Commercial Properties: 25%
- Apartments: 5%
The sweet spot? Four-bedroom houses averaging $518,000. These family homes offer the best value for buyers wanting space without breaking budgets. Three-bedroom properties follow at $314,000 - perfect for young professionals making their Highlands debut.
Most properties span 3-4 bedrooms, though the range extends from compact 1-bedroom units to sprawling 12-bedroom estates. This variety means there's something for different buyer profiles, from expatriate executives to established local families.
Where Do the Rich Live in Harare? The Highlands Answer
Geography creates wealth. Highlands's elevated position in Harare North's exclusive residential corridor isn't coincidence.
Strategic Location Advantages:
- Part of the prestigious "Golden Triangle"
- 1,600 meters above sea level (natural security and drainage)
- Minutes from central business district
- Walking distance to diplomatic missions
- Close proximity to international schools
The Resident Profile: This isn't a neighbourhood for budget-conscious buyers. Highlands attracts high-income earners who want both substance and flash:
- Government officials and diplomats
- Mining and business executives
- International expatriate families
- Successful entrepreneurs and professionals
- Embassy and NGO leadership
The demographic creates a self-reinforcing cycle. Quality residents demand quality services. Quality services attract quality residents. The result? Zimbabwe's most stable luxury residential market.
Living the Highlands Lifestyle: What Premium Actually Means
Colonial architecture meets modern convenience on Highlands's tree-lined streets. But what does daily life actually look like in Zimbabwe's premier suburb?
Standard Highlands Property Features: Every quality home includes solar power systems, borehole water access, and 24-hour security. These aren't luxury extras - they're practical necessities ensuring consistent living standards regardless of municipal service fluctuations.
This is particularly because Highlands actually suffers from some of the worst service delivery in Harare. As a result, homeowners have adapted and most homes have the back-up faculties required.
Typical High-End Amenities:
- Swimming pools and spacious gardens
- Modern kitchens with premium appliances
- En-suite bedrooms and walk-in closets
- Electric gates and comprehensive security
- Staff quarters and entertainment areas
Infrastructure That Works: Unlike many Harare suburbs, Highlands maintains consistent standards. Tree-lined streets represent ongoing municipal investment. Roads stay maintained. Utilities stay reliable. Problems get solved quickly through established community networks.
Shopping and Dining Options in Highlands
One thing Borrowdale had going for it was the sheer number of things to do in places like Sam Levy's Village, Village Walk and other locations. Highlands rivals all these areas, anchored by the new and expanding Highland Park.
Residents enjoy proximity to quality amenities without sacrificing suburban tranquility.
Local Shopping:
- TM Pick n' Pay: Modern complex rated 4.3 stars, open Monday-Saturday 9am-7pm, Sunday 10am-4pm
- SPAR Kamfinsa: Daily groceries with delivery service, open 7:30am-9pm daily
- Food Lover's Market Greendale: Premium supermarket 3.1km away, rated 4.4 stars
Dining Options:
- The Three Monkeys Harare: Upscale casual dining, 4.4 stars from 644 reviews
- Highlander Pub & Restaurant: Local favorite just 550 meters away, 4.5 stars
- Dripping Well & Grill: Intimate neighbourhood dining, 14-minute walk
- Maize & Mingle Cafe: Quality coffee and light meals, 22-minute walk
- The Courtyard Restaurant & Bar: Upscale, modern dining, 4.1 stars
- Queen of Hearts: Collective of restaurants offering various cuisines, 4.3 stars from 3,433 reviews
The pattern is clear: Highlands prioritizes quality over quantity. Residents prefer understated excellence to flashy entertainment districts.
Education Excellence: Why Families Choose Highlands
Smart parents know education drives property values. Highlands delivers on both fronts.
Primary Education:
- Highlands Primary School: Serves local families directly within the community
- Genius Ray International Preparatory School: International curriculum 4.9km away
Secondary Options:
- Abbeys High School: Just 1.8km away on Greendale Avenue, 24-minute walk or 3-minute drive
- Solaris International School: Attracts expatriate families seeking global curricula
Professional Development:
- The Culinary Arts Academy: Specialized training 2.9km away, rated 4.6 stars
- Zimbabwe Institute of Management: Serves career-focused residents
This educational ecosystem supports property values while creating the family-friendly environment that defines Highlands living.
Recreation and Wellness: Active Living Made Easy
Highlands's elevated location naturally encourages outdoor activities.
Parks and Recreation:
- Highlands Park: Main recreational hub, 4.5 stars from 1,000+ reviews, open 7am-9pm
- Tamba Tamba Children's Play Centre: Family entertainment 1.8km away
- Mukuvisi Woodlands: Nearby wildlife and safari park, 4.2 stars from 1,400+ reviews
Fitness Facilities:
- Hyperbeast Gym: Just 750 meters away, 5-star rating, open 5am-7pm weekdays
- Shredded EnerGYM: 1.9km away, 4.0 stars from 19 reviews
- Triton 360: Premium fitness amenities 3.9km away, 4.3 stars from 102 reviews
Morning jogs through tree-lined streets, afternoon walks in community parks, and evening gatherings in private gardens become part of daily life.
Healthcare That Provides Peace of Mind
Highlands residents enjoy quality healthcare access:
- Highlands Medical Centre: Located directly within Highlands North, 4.4 stars from 62 reviews
- ZION-medical: Practically next door at 210 meters
- Mediwise Medical Care: Comprehensive services 3km away, weekday hours 8am-5pm
- LangCon Medical Centre: Additional specialized care options
Having quality healthcare within the community eliminates worry about medical emergencies. When medical professionals often reside in the same neighborhood, healthcare quality typically exceeds area averages.
The Investment Perspective: Why Highlands Properties Hold Value
Highlands Harare property for sale represents more than home ownership - it's wealth preservation strategy.
Market Stability Factors:
- Limited Supply: Only 20-25 houses/townhouses typically available at any time
- Consistent Demand: Diplomatic and business community creates steady market
- Geographic Constraints: Highlands can't expand infinitely, supporting values
- Infrastructure Quality: Mature systems reduce investment uncertainty
Rental Market Performance: Highlands commands premium rental rates:
- Range: $600-$3,400 monthly
- Average: $1,675 monthly
- Target tenants: Expatriate professionals, diplomatic staff, local executives
- Rental yield: Approximately 7% annually plus capital appreciation
Investment Math: Buy at $660,000, rent at $1,675 monthly, enjoy steady returns in Zimbabwe's most stable luxury market.
Comparing Highlands to Other Premium Suburbs
When people ask which is the best suburb in Harare, Highlands faces competition from other upmarket areas:
Highlands vs. Borrowdale:
- Highlands: Better value per square meter, less traffic
- Borrowdale: More retail variety at Sam Levy's Village
Highlands vs. Mount Pleasant:
- Highlands: Larger properties, better long-term stability
- Mount Pleasant: Closer to schools and shopping
Highlands vs. Chisipite:
- Highlands: Established character, proven investment performance
- Chisipite: Newer developments, modern amenities
The choice depends on priorities. Families want convenience might prefer Borrowdale. Those seeking cutting-edge amenities might choose Mount Pleasant. But buyers prioritizing stability, space, and understated prestige consistently return to Highlands.
Transportation and Accessibility
Getting around from Highlands is straightforward. Most amenities fall within a 3-kilometer radius, making daily errands manageable.
Walking Times to Key Locations:
- Shopping: 10-27 minutes to major centers
- Healthcare: 3-33 minutes to medical facilities
- Dining: 7-31 minutes to restaurants
- Recreation: 9-52 minutes to parks and entertainment
Public transportation connects to central Harare, though most residents prefer private vehicles for convenience.
The Reality Check: What Highlands Isn't
Honest assessment matters when considering Highlands Harare property for sale.
Limitations to Consider:
- Shopping: You'll drive elsewhere for major shopping trips
- Entertainment: Limited nightlife; Highlands prioritizes residential tranquility
- Public Transport: This is a car-dependent area
- Price Reality: High entry costs and ongoing maintenance expenses
These limitations don't diminish Highlands's appeal - they clarify who benefits most from choosing this area.
Cultural and Business Connections
Highlands often appeals to professionals who value business proximity:
- nhereraHUB: female-run cultural space and networking 700 meters away
- One Culture Art Gallery Cafe: Dining with local art exhibitions 900 meters away
- The Country Club: Golf, dining, and social facilities 2.8km away
These cultural touches separate Highlands from purely residential suburbs, attracting creative professionals, business owners, and expatriates.
Making Your Highlands Move: Buyer's Guide
Ready to explore houses for sale in Highlands Harare? Here's your strategic approach:
Budget Planning:
- Factor in purchase price plus ongoing costs
- Consider property taxes, maintenance, and community fees
- Highlands properties require higher maintenance standards
Due Diligence Essentials:
- Verify property titles carefully
- Work with established agents who understand Highlands's market
- Arrange financing before viewing properties
Timing Considerations: Quality Highlands properties often attract multiple buyers. When the right home appears, serious buyers move quickly.
Professional Support: Given investment size and legal complexities, work with experienced conveyancers familiar with high-value Harare transactions.
Market Trends and Future Outlook
Highlands maintains healthy market balance. Limited supply keeps values stable while sufficient turnover provides buying opportunities.
Positive Indicators:
- Ongoing private infrastructure investment
- Consistent international demand from diplomatic community
- Stable resident base maintaining community standards
- Geographic advantages that can't be replicated elsewhere
Why Highlands Remains Zimbabwe's Premier Address
After analyzing property values, demographics, amenities, and market trends, the conclusion is clear: Highlands earns its reputation as the best suburb in Harare through measurable advantages.
The combination of strategic location, infrastructure quality, security standards, and resident caliber creates a self-reinforcing cycle of desirability and value retention.
For Zimbabwe's elite, Highlands isn't just where they can afford to live - it's where they choose to live because it delivers the lifestyle and investment security they demand.
The Highlands Advantage:
- Proven property value stability
- Quality infrastructure that actually works
- Exclusive community of successful professionals
- Strategic location balancing privacy with accessibility
- Educational and recreational amenities supporting family life
- Healthcare access providing peace of mind
- Investment fundamentals supporting long-term wealth
Whether you're searching for your family's next home or evaluating investment opportunities, Highlands represents more than just another property purchase. It's entry into Zimbabwe's most exclusive residential community and a stake in the country's most stable real estate market.
Your Highlands Future Starts Here
Highlands living isn't for everyone. But for those it suits, few alternatives match its combination of prestige, stability, and genuine quality of life.
In a city where neighbourhoods rise and fall with economic cycles, Highlands endures. That makes it not just a place to live, but a smart place to invest.
The best Highlands Harare property for sale moves quickly. Quality attracts quality, and in Zimbabwe's premier suburb, excellence remains the standard.
Ready to join Zimbabwe's elite community? Your Highlands address awaits.
Explore premium Highlands properties and luxury homes throughout Harare at www.propertybook.co.zw - Zimbabwe's largest property platform with 7,000+ listings from 2,000+ verified professionals. Trusted by Zimbabwe's property market since 2006.
