Pensioners struggle with US$250 title deed fee

Pensioners and other low-income residents in Harare are struggling to raise the US$250 required to digitise their title deeds, amid concerns over affordability, a looming deadline and limited information about the process.

The digitisation exercise is intended to modernise property records and strengthen the security and accessibility of title deed information.

However, residents in Kambuzuma, Glenview and Kuwadzana have reportedly raised concerns over the cost, with some calling for reduced fees and an extension of the deadline.

Combined Harare Residents Association director Reuben Akili said many residents, particularly pensioners, were finding it difficult to meet the required payment.

"We recommend an awareness campaign around this issue so that, at the end of the day, the information gap can be closed going forward," he said.

"Some are saying that they are pensioners and cannot afford the payments."

Akili said residents were also concerned that the deadline was approaching before many property owners had fully understood the requirements or their implications.

"Another issue raised was the deadline. Because of the lack of information and the deadline being near, residents are asking whether there are avenues to have the deadline extended so that they can digitise their title deeds," he said.

Residents have called for wider awareness campaigns to explain the digitisation process, the benefits of converting property records to digital format and the consequences of failing to comply within the stipulated period.

They have also urged authorities to consider measures that would make the process more affordable for pensioners and other financially vulnerable property owners.

The concerns come as authorities push to modernise property records, with residents calling for greater public engagement to ensure that the exercise does not leave low-income homeowners behind.