Zimbabwe Deregulates Rents For New Housing Developments To Boost Property Investment
Zimbabwe has introduced major changes to its rental laws, giving property developers greater freedom to determine rental prices for newly built homes while allowing landlords to collect rent in any legally recognised currency.
The changes were introduced through the Rent (Amendment) Regulations, 2026 (No. 2), contained in Statutory Instrument 131 of 2026, which updates the country’s Rent Regulations first introduced in 2007.
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New Developments Exempt From Rent Controls
One of the biggest changes is the removal of rent controls for newly constructed rental properties.
Under the new framework, developers must still register every new rental dwelling with the Rent Board. However, once registered, those properties will not be subject to rent regulation for the next 25 years.
The move is designed to give investors confidence that they can set market-based rental prices over a longer period, making large-scale housing projects more financially attractive.
Although rent controls will not apply during the exemption period, the Government has retained oversight by requiring all qualifying properties to remain registered with the Rent Board.
Landlords Can Charge Rent In Any Legal Currency
The amended regulations also introduce greater flexibility in how rent is charged.
Instead of prescribing a specific currency, the new rules allow landlords to quote and receive rental payments in any currency that is legally recognised in Zimbabwe at the time of payment.
The change aligns rental agreements with Zimbabwe’s current multi-currency system, where several currencies are legally accepted for transactions.
Reforms Linked To Housing And Economic Policy
The latest amendments come as authorities seek to increase private investment in the country’s rental housing market, particularly in urban areas where demand for accommodation continues to rise.
By removing rent controls on new developments and modernising payment rules, the Government hopes to encourage developers to build more rental units while providing a regulatory framework that reflects Zimbabwe’s evolving monetary environment.
The reforms also form part of wider efforts to strengthen and formalise the property sector as the country continues to adjust to its current multi-currency economic system.
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