Estate Agents Urged to Uphold Ethics, Transparency in Property Transactions

Estate agents and real estate professionals have been called upon to uphold transparency, professionalism, and ethical conduct to restore public confidence and support Zimbabwe’s national housing delivery agenda.

The call was made during the official opening of the inaugural Land Conference held in Victoria Falls on Thursday, which brought together key stakeholders from government, the private sector, and civil society to discuss reforms in land administration and property transactions.

Deputy Minister of Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs, Honourable Nobert Mazungunye, said estate agents play a crucial role in promoting fair and lawful dealings in the real estate market, which directly impacts public trust and national development goals.

“Estate agents and real estate professionals must facilitate fair, efficient, and ethical transactions, serving as trusted intermediaries between owners, buyers, and communities,” said Mazungunye.

“Regulators and policy makers have a duty to translate these principles into enforceable rules that promote investment, reduce uncertainty, and protect property rights.”

Zimbabwe’s real estate industry has, over the years, faced criticism for unethical practices and fraudulent transactions, resulting in disciplinary action against some players, including suspensions and deregistrations.

To address these challenges, the Estate Agents Council of Zimbabwe (EACZ) has intensified efforts to promote accountability and consumer protection within the sector.

EACZ chairperson, Mr Nico Kuipa, urged the public to only engage registered agents to safeguard their investments.

“We encourage the public to deal only with registered estate agents to avoid losses. Registered agents are qualified professionals who can be held accountable, and clients have recourse, including compensation, in cases of malpractice,” Kuipa said.

“Members found guilty of misconduct face disciplinary action, ranging from suspension to deregistration in serious cases.”

The Land Conference seeks to advance a modern, transparent, and sustainable land governance framework that fosters investor confidence and equitable access to property.

Delegates attending the event include representatives from government ministries, local authorities, estate agencies, financial institutions, academia, civil society organisations, and the private sector, all united by a shared commitment to improving land administration and housing delivery in Zimbabwe.