The shift towards e-conveyancing in Zimbabwe marks a long-awaited reform, addressing the long-standing procedural gaps and inefficiencies inherent in the conventional Deeds framework. The new Deeds Regulations are designed to deliver a more efficient, transparent, and accessible property transfer mechanism aligned with contemporary legal and technological standards. The Statutory Instrument 76 of 2025 (Deeds Registries Regulations, 2025), which was gazetted on the 18th of July 2025, repeals the Deeds Registries Regulations,2018 and represents a significant overhaul of the Deeds Registration system in Zimbabwe. The Regulations shall become operational on a date to be fixed by the Minister by Statutory Instrument.
Key Updates
1. Section 3 – Provisions relating to documents
- Deeds to be on international standard A4 paper size containing various security devices
- All documents other than Deeds to be on durable A4 white paper not less than 80g
- Documents to be written in permanent black ink and on both sides of a sheet with font size not less than 11
2. Section 14 to 18 – Prescribed Forms
- New and updated forms DR1-DR9 which are aligned with the digitisation and securitisation processes
3. Section 19 – Replacement of documents
- A copy of the document to be replaced will be required to be lodged together with the application for replacement
- Application for lost deed to be accompanied by proof of identity of the person in whose name the land is registered or their representative, certified by a notary public
- Replacement to be issued after 30days have elapsed after publication of adverts
4. Section 27 – Power of Attorney
- Special power of Attorney should be signed in ink by the grantor and accompanied by the grantor’s identification certified by Notary Public
- General power of Attorney will not be accepted for purposes of alienating and encumbering immovable property.
5. Section 40 – Validation of Old Title Deeds
- All holders of title deeds to submit the original title deeds and copies of their documents to the Deeds Registry for validation within 24months from the date of publication of this SI, i.e. 18th of July 2025.
- Validation includes verification of the authenticity of the Title Deeds ensuring compliance with the Deeds Registries Act
6. Section 41 – Issuance of Securitised Deeds
- Upon successful validation of old Deeds, Registrar will issue securitised deeds which shall be in electronic format and recorded in the digital registry system. The Deed will then be printed and issued to the owner on a securitised paper
- Upon collection of the new title Deeds, the owner will be required to surrender the old deeds to the Deeds Registry
7. Section 44 – Transitional Arrangements
- Old deeds will continue to be recognised for a period of 24months from the date of commencement of these regulations and after that only securitised Deeds will be considered valid for legal and administrative purposes.
8. Section 55 – Identification
- Identity of a natural person will be established by their Identity document which includes National ID, valid Passport (local or foreign) and Drivers Licence
- Companies shall be identified by the incorporation number appearing on the Certificate of Incorporation
- Trusts will be identified by their Deeds Registration Number
- Private Voluntary Organisations will be identified by their registration number
9. Section 62 – Register of Conveyancers and Notary Publics
- The Register of Conveyancers and Notaries Public will be updated on a quarterly basis by arrangement with the Law Society of Zimbabwe
10. Section 65 to 66 – Electronic Services
- All business with the Deeds Registry shall be conducted electronically and electronic services will be accessible 24/7 throughout the year.
- Should you require assistance with conveyancing or property-related matters, our Conveyancing and Estates Practice Group is available to assist on info@mmmlawfirm.co.zw
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Read the original publication at Muvingi Mugadza
