How to Secure Farm Title Deeds in Zimbabwe: A Step-by-Step Guide

Lenon Itai Rwizi

In a landmark move aimed at bolstering food security and land tenure, the Government of Zimbabwe has announced the rolling out of a nationwide initiative, issuing Title Deeds to farmers holding valid land tenure documents. The following writeup seeks to cover some of the steps that concerned and interested farmer owners can pursue in securing title over their properties.

Who qualifies for issuance of title deeds?

Every citizen of Zimbabwe who holds an offer letter, permit or lease for agricultural purposes such as the following:

1. A2 permits,

2. 99-year leases,

3. A1 settlement permits,

4. A1 temporary permits,

5. ALSA leases

One Stop-Shop and Fast-Track Process

The Presidential Title Deed Implementation Committee has introduced an efficient Fast Track Program under the One-Stop Centre.

Payment Terms

1. Immediate Cash Payments: Farmers paying the full purchase price upfront will receive Title Deeds for surveyed farms within 72 hours.
2. 90-Day Plan: A deposit secures processing, with deeds issued after full payment within 90 days (treated as cash equivalent).
3. Mortgage Facility: Partnerships with banks are underway, with modalities to be announced soon.

How It Works

Farmers must visit the Harare One-Stop Centre at Makombe Complex (Block 2) to initiate the process:

1. Documentation: Submit certified copies of ID/passport and tenure documents.
2. Valuation: A Valuation & Estate Officer determines the purchase price.
3. Agreements: Sign the Sale Agreement, Purchaser Declaration, and Lease Cancellation Consent (if applicable).
4. Payment: USD $10 processing fee + purchase price (cash or deposit).
5. Issuance: Clearance certificate and Title Deed provided upon full payment.

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Farm Purchase Price and Discounts

Farms are sold at their assessed value with the following discounts available:

• 15% discount for cash payments.

• 15% discount for war veterans.

• 5% discount for civil servants with 20 years or more of service.

• 2.5% discount for civil servants with 10 years or more of service. s

Cash discounts are applicable only if the full purchase price is paid within the stipulated 90-day period.

For those requiring financial assistance, the government is in the process of finalizing mortgage arrangements with selected banks.

Step-by-Step Process at the One-Stop Centre

Step 1: Data Collection

1. The farmer completes a data collection form with the assistance of a valuation and estate officer.

2. Required documents submitted:

Certified copies of National ID or Passport. Certified copy of relevant tenure document (e.g., 99-year lease, Offer Letter, A2 Permit, A1 Settlement Permit, A1 Temporary Permit, ALSA Lease).

3. Payment of a processing fee of USD $10.00.

Step 2: Initial Processing

1. The Surveyor confirms survey status and uploads the survey diagram into the Deeds System.

2. Zimbabwe Land Commission (ZLC) official verifies farm status, including any disputes.

3. The Conveyancer confirms the farmer’s identity with the Registrar General’s office.

4. The Valuation and Estate Officer determines the purchase price and seeks approval for Title Deed issuance.

5. The farmer signs the necessary legal documents, including:

6. Agreement of Sale.

7. Declaration by Purchaser.

8. Consent to cancel a 99-year lease (if applicable).

Step 3: Title Deed Generation Upon full payment of the purchase price and registration fees:

1. Upon full payment of the purchase price and registration fees, the conveyancer enters the farmer’s information into the system for Title Deed preparation. A digital platform has been created specifically for the issuance of title deeds to farmers.

Step 4: Title Deed Registration and Issuance

A Deeds official examines the generated Title Deed and forwards it to the Deeds Registrar for approval.

The surveyor finalizes deductions for the Lot/farm that is being registered.

The Deeds official registers the Title Deed.

The Ministry of Lands issues a Clearance Certificate confirming full payment.

The farmer is issued a registered Title Deed.

Benefits of Farm Title Deed

1. Farmers can now secure bank loans.

2. Farms now have an incentive to effect improvements on their farmland.

Lenon Itai Rwizi is a Registered Legal Practitioner of the Superior Courts of Zimbabwe and can be contacted on: +263 774 159 146 or +263 713 967 341 [email protected]. The above does not constitute formal legal advice, and neither does it create any type of attorney-client relationship. Please seek legal advice from your own by contacting the writer https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100057530166769 or any attorney of your choice.