MAIN IMAGE: Rudo Somane – principal of Jawitz Properties Zimbabwe
Jawitz Properties
Jawitz Properties has expanded its growing international footprint with the launch of a new office in Harare, Zimbabwe, led by local property professional Rudo Somane. Somane and her established, experienced team have joined the Jawitz brand after resonating with its culture and values and identifying opportunities for growth made possible by the marketing support that Jawitz offers its property professionals.
The Zimbabwe and South Africa Jawitz Properties offices will enable both teams to service cross-border referrals, positioning the real estate professionals in both countries to add value to buyers, sellers, landlords, tenants, and property developers across borders.
The expansion comes at a time when the Zimbabwean real estate market is expected to grow by 3.9% per annum between 2025 and 2029, reaching a value of US$124.75 billion by the end of 2029, with residential real estate accounting for the bulk at US$85.35 billion.
More than 43% of new listings are new builds, highlighting strong demand for modern housing, with Harare and Bulawayo being key hubs with other regional towns also showing significant growth. The average price of new properties is around $290,000, with premium properties with more than 5 bedrooms starting at $370,000.
“The Zimbabwe property market is primed for a new entrant who can bring a fresh, international, tech-savvy and customer-focused brand,” says Russell Berkman, franchise director at Jawitz Properties. “This is particularly important as a significant number of buyers are in the diaspora, and both buyers and sellers are increasingly embracing online platforms that can offer smart listings, virtual tours, and mobile-first experiences.
“The introduction of the ZiG currency alongside the US Dollar and ongoing stability in the country, together with the upsurge in building of new developments to meet the increasing demand, mean that significant opportunities lie ahead – and we are looking forward to supporting Somane and her team in maximising that potential,” he added.
Jawitz Properties sees the Zimbabwe office as a key brand partner, particularly given the strong demand for referrals for property buyers and investors’ interest in large projects in Harare and Bulawayo. The brand’s custom-built REFER-IT programme that connects all offices is ideally positioned to service the needs of interested parties across both countries.
As Zimbabwe’s economy continues to stabilise, with a projected growth rate of 6% in 2025, further opportunities for growth in real estate in the country include gated community development, mixed-use developments, and student accommodation near educational institutions. Shopping centres and mixed-use developments are rebounding, and growth in e-commerce and regional trade is fuelling demand for industrial parks, distribution hubs and other industrial and commercial property types.
“Harare’s property market is growing, with cash buyers from the diaspora investing back in their homeland adding pace and momentum,” said Somane. “The time is ripe to bring the Jawitz Properties brand to Zimbabwe, and I’m looking forward to continuing my team’s growth and success under its values.”
