By Correspondent
The government has warned that unvalidated paper title deeds will lose legal standing for formal transactions when Zimbabwe’s digitisation deadline expires in 11 months.
Justice Minister Ziyambi Ziyambi told Parliament on Wednesday that the new Digital Land Administrative Platform (DLAP) will become the sole authoritative property register after the 24-month validation period ends in July 2027.
“After the 24-month deadline expires, the new digital registry system becomes the sole authoritative record of title in Zimbabwe.
“Unvalidated old paper deeds will face derecognition in formal transactions, meaning they cannot be used to sell or transfer land.”
The programme, which began in July 2025, requires all urban freehold stands, sectional titles and agricultural land to be digitised.
Ziyambi moved to allay fears of property seizures, saying ownership rights remain intact.
“Let me set the record straight and reassure the nation.
“Failure to validate does not invalidate the title deed.
“It remains a fully legal title deed that simply needs to be taken through the validation process.
“No citizen will lose his or her property by failing to meet the deadline.”
The validation fee is pegged at US$215, covering registry fees, conveyancer charges and VAT.
“I must stress that this prescribed fee is completely comprehensive and covers the entire process of validation.
“(It will) protect the public from arbitrary overcharging,” he said.
According to Ziyambi the Ministry is also training legal officers to assist citizens who cannot afford private conveyancers.
