Zimbabwe housing backlog surges

The Ministry of Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs has urged developers and investors to embrace cost-effective and sustainable building models to improve housing quality and affordability across Zimbabwe.

The call comes amid a surge in housing investments driven largely by private developers and pension funds, even as the country faces a housing backlog exceeding one million units. Despite the construction boom, the sector has been dogged by allegations of corruption, money laundering, and bogus real estate schemes.

Speaking at a Real Estate Institute of Zimbabwe (REIZ) press conference in Harare on Wednesday, the ministry's chief director, Tapiwa Godzi, said the government was committed to ensuring that housing development benefits all citizens, not just the privileged few.

"Developers and investors must adopt cost-effective and sustainable building models," Godzi said. "Communities and civil society must engage actively in housing planning to ensure inclusivity and sustainability."

The conference, held under the theme "Affordable Housing: A Right for Every Zimbabwean," brought together key stakeholders from the real estate and financial sectors to discuss ways to bridge the housing gap.

Godzi highlighted the ministry's role in strengthening legal frameworks that safeguard property ownership and promote ethical conduct within the housing market. He said collaboration between the Justice Ministry, REIZ, the Estate Agents Council, and the Valuers Council of Zimbabwe was crucial to promoting professional integrity and a fair property market.

He stressed that the government was prioritising both the construction of new housing units and the upgrading of existing settlements to ensure access to decent shelter for all.

"The Ministry of Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs plays a foundational role in the realisation of housing rights," he noted, adding that land and housing policies were being streamlined to enhance transparency and accountability.

Godzi also called on financial institutions to design flexible mortgage products to make home ownership more accessible to ordinary Zimbabweans.

REIZ vice-president Progress Sibanda said the institute remained focused on promoting responsible property development and ensuring transparency within the sector.

"Our goal is to ensure proper housing development that is sustainable and transparent, in line with national priorities," Sibanda said.

The government's renewed focus on sustainable housing comes as urbanisation continues to accelerate, putting pressure on existing infrastructure and deepening the need for affordable, quality homes nationwide.