Things to Consider When Buying Stands Under Cession Ownership in Zimbabwe

Things to Consider When Buying Stands Under Cession Ownership in Zimbabwe

 

Buying a stand under cession ownership in Zimbabwe requires careful consideration and due diligence to avoid legal complications and financial loss. Cession ownership means that the land has not yet been transferred to the buyer via a Title Deed but is held under an agreement with either a private developer or a local council. Before proceeding with such a purchase, it's crucial to verify all necessary documents to ensure a secure transaction.

 

Documentation for Private Developer Cessions

When purchasing a stand from a private developer, you should verify the following essential documents:

1.       Copy of Parent Title Deed – Confirms the developer’s original ownership of the land.

2.       Approved Site Plan/Layout Plan – Ensures that the land is properly planned and approved for development.

3.       Subdivision Permit (Valid Permit) – Confirms that the land has been legally subdivided and allocated.

4.       Full Compliance Certificate (FCC) – Shows that all requirements for the subdivision have been met and approved.

5.       Verification of Survey Certificate – Indicates that the land has been properly surveyed and is ready for title deed processing.

6.       Dispensation Certificate – Provides further confirmation of legal subdivision and allocation.

7.       Guarantee or Confirmation Letter from Developer/Lawyer – Ensures there are no existing or future risks of double allocation.

 

Documentation for Council Cessions

If you are purchasing a stand directly from the local council or from an individual who initially bought from the council, ensure that the following documents are in place:

1.       Offer Letter from Council/Agreement of Sale – This document must clearly outline the terms of sale, whether between the council and seller or directly between the buyer and council.

2.       Approved Site Plan/Layout Plan – Confirms the stand’s proper zoning and approval for development.

3.       Verification of Survey Certificate – Ensures the stand is correctly surveyed and ready for title deed processing.

4.       Dispensation Certificate – Provides legal backing for the allocation and ownership of the stand.

 

Key Takeaways

·         Always verify all documents before making any payments.

·         Engage legal professionals or registered real estate agents to authenticate the paperwork.

·         Ensure the stand is not under double allocation by consulting the developer, council, or Ministry of Local Government.

·         Check the progress of title deed processing to understand when full ownership transfer will be possible.

By following these steps, you can safeguard your investment and ensure a smooth property transaction under cession ownership in Zimbabwe.