How to get title deeds for farms in Zimbabwe [EXPLANATION]

How to get title deeds for farms in Zimbabwe [EXPLANATION]

THE MINISTER OF LANDS, AGRICULTURE, FISHERIES, WATER AND RURAL DEVELOPMENT (HON. DR. MASUKA):

LAND TENURE REFORMS
The Government of Zimbabwe implemented the land reform program in three phases since independence. Phase 1 covered the period 1980-1997 and saw 76 000 households being resettled. Phase 2 inception covered the period 1998 – June 2000 and saw 4 800 households being resettled. Phase 2 fast track started in July 2000 and 24 000 farmers were allocated land under model A2 whilst 240 000 were allocated under model A1.

Government has been engaging with financial institutions to improve the tenure documents for resettled farmers to become bankable. The key issues that needed addressing are that of registration, bankability and transferability. Various consultations were held to address these matters. This let to Cabinet announcement on 8 October, 2024 that the Government had adopted a new land tenure regime. In line with Section 292 read together with Section 289, 293 and 294 of the Constitution that obligates the State to give security of tenure to every person to alienate for value addition land among other requirements. The President issued a comprehensive statement in this regard. The process is being coordinated by the Office of the President and Cabinet with two Committees put in place to superintend over the program.

Cabinet Oversight Committee being chaired by Hon. O.C.Z Muchinguri-Kashiri and Land Tenure Implementation Committee (LTIC) chaired by K. Tagwirei.

The President then launched the issuance of title deeds on the 20th of December, 2024, in Kwekwe with ten farmers receiving their title deeds. Farmers are being issued with Deed of Transfer, which bestore private ownership and full land rights to the beneficiary. All land reform beneficiaries with valid tenure documents qualify for issuance of title deeds. All the resettled farmers should be issued with title deed by 30 June 2026.

LAND TITLE DEEDS PROCESSING
The estimations are that:
24 000 Model A2 farmers have to be given title deed with 12 000 to 13 000 of those on surveyed units. The balance needs surveying. 360 000 Model A1 farmers to get title deeds. All these farms have not been surveyed. Government has engaged the private sector to enhance surveying of farms and the use of modern technology in order to expedite the work.

ONE-STOP CENTRE
With regards to specific duties given to my Ministry, we were instructed to set up a “one-stop centre”. The Land Tenure Implementation Committee (LTIC) established a One Stop Centre at Makombe Complex to ease the process for farmers.
The Centre has seven work stations which are:
Station 1 – Verification of farmer’s tenure document
Station 2 – Zimbabwe Land Commission clears on disputes
Station 3 – Surveyor General confirms survey status
Station 4 – Receipting of processing fees of US$10 and purchase price when paid
Station 5 – Completion of the title deed data form
Station 6 – Determination of the purchase price
Station 7 – Conveyancing (Agreements preparation and signing)

FINANCING MODELS
Currently, there are three options for the purchase of the farms:
Cash option – where the farmer can pay full purchase price within 90 days. There is a 15% discount for this option. Title deed is processed after farmer is fully paid up.

Credit facility – where the farmer pays full purchase price within 12 months. The farmer will be referred to the bank. Government will give a 5% rebate after payment of full purchase price. Title deed will be processed after full payment is done.

Mortgage facility – the farmer is advanced funds by the bank. This is paid to Government. The farmer then pays back the loan to the bank. There is a 7.5% interest rate per annum and maximum tenure is 20 years. Title deed is processed as soon as the bank pays Government and the deed is endorsed with the mortgage and given to the bank.

Government has engaged five banks under this program; AFC, CBZ, FBC, POSB and ZB. These banks are setting up offices at the One-Stop Centre.

OTHER FARMERS
There are other farmers who also want to benefit from the title deed programme:
Small Scale Commercial Farming Areas – these farmers were allocated state land long back, initially on offer, then short term lease and 99-year lease with option to purchase, then title deed. Those without title deeds will get their deeds of grant. These ones are given a Deed of Grant.

Indigenous former farm owners – some indigenous farmers had their farms acquired by Government but not resettled or partially settled. Previously, S.I. 62 of 2020 had been put in place to address these farmers’ matters. They are now getting their title deeds back by the uplifting of endorsements where there are no settlements. For those partially settled, they will get deed of transfer on the remaining portion.

Also, BIPPA farms gazette but not settled will have endorsements uplifted.

ACHIEVEMENTS TO DATE
32 Model A2 cash farmers have been issued with title deeds while 202 have gone for the mortgage system.
1 000 (446) A1 farmers in Mashonaland Central were issued with Title Deeds on the 25th of August, 2025.

How to get title deeds for farms in Zimbabwe [EXPLANATION]