SI 76 of 2025: Zimbabwe’s New Title Deed Law Explained
Published: July 2025 | By Munyaradzi Masaga | Zim Property Digest
Zimbabwe’s property ownership and land registry systems are undergoing a seismic shift. On 18 July 2025, the Government of Zimbabwe gazetted Statutory Instrument 76 of 2025—a landmark set of Deeds Registries Regulations that usher in a new era of digital, secure, and enforceable property rights.
In this article, we break down what SI 76 of 2025 means, who is affected, and what property owners must do to comply.
🔍 What Is Statutory Instrument 76 of 2025?
Statutory Instrument (SI) 76 of 2025, officially titled the Deeds Registries (General) Regulations, 2025, is a new law that:
- Modernizes Zimbabwe’s deeds registry system by transitioning from paper-based deeds to digital, securitised deeds;
- Introduces strict identity verification, anti-fraud measures, and digitised audit trails;
- Mandates that all property owners submit their current title deeds for validation within 24 months from the publication date;
- Establishes new fees, forms, and processes for property transactions, mortgage bonds, and registrations.
This regulation replaces outdated frameworks last amended in 2018 and complements Zimbabwe’s broader land reform and title regularisation programme.
📌 Key Provisions of SI 76 of 2025
1. 24-Month Validation Deadline
Sections 40–41 mandate that all holders of existing paper title deeds must submit them for validation within 24 months from 18 July 2025.
Once validated:
- The old deed is cancelled;
- The property owner receives a “securitised title deed”: a printed deed with enhanced security features and a digital version stored in a central registry.
Failure to comply may result in loss of legal recognition of the deed.
2. Digital Land Administration Platform (DLAP)
SI 76 introduces a fully digital registry system for managing title deeds, conveyancing transactions, and property searches. This allows:
- 24/7 access to property records;
- Real-time verification and fraud detection;
- Secure storage of all deed transactions.
3. Fraud Prevention and Identity Verification
Sections 27, 43, 55 introduce:
- Tight controls on Power of Attorney: notarized, spousal/company director consent where necessary;
- Strict ID checks: national ID or passport required;
- Criminal penalties for fraudulent activity involving registry staff or legal practitioners.
4. Mortgage Bond & Conveyancing Reform
Section 47 standardises mortgage bond processing with updated rules for:
- Spousal consent and land use disclosures;
- Rectifying title deed errors or omissions.
This is expected to enhance bank confidence and expand mortgage access.
5. Updated Fee Structure and Forms
The new fee schedule includes:
- Deed certification: USD $20 per document
- Lodging box rental: USD $120 per year
- Property search copies: USD $1 per page
New prescribed forms (DR1 to DR9) are now in use for all conveyancing transactions.
💡 Why It Matters for Property Owners
Zimbabwe’s real estate sector has long struggled with:
- Title fraud and forgeries
- Duplicate or missing deeds
- Registry manipulation
SI 76 of 2025 addresses these by introducing secure, verifiable title deeds supported by digital records. This improves:
- Investor confidence
- Access to credit
- Security of ownership
This development is especially important for:
- Urban property owners
- Farmers with A1/A2 permits
- Diaspora investors seeking legal certainty
📝 What You Need to Do
If You Own Property:
- Locate your original title deed.
- Visit a Deeds Registry Office or designated One-Stop Centre.
- Submit your deed for validation and digitisation.
- Provide valid ID and any required supporting documents.
You may appoint a legal practitioner or conveyancer to assist.
What If You Don’t Comply?
If you fail to validate your deed within 24 months:
- Your deed may be invalidated;
- You may face difficulties selling or mortgaging your property;
- Legal penalties may apply if fraud is suspected.
🧭 Zim Property Digest’s Perspective
At Zim Property Digest, we believe SI 76 of 2025 is a necessary step toward transparency, accountability, and confidence in Zimbabwe’s land market. We urge government and private stakeholders to:
- Ensure affordable access to the digital platform;
- Support the elderly and vulnerable title holders;
- Educate the public on timelines and procedures.
Our advice: Act early, get your paperwork in order, and secure your legacy.
📞 Need Help?
We offer guidance and support with:
- Title deed validation
- Document review
- Conveyancing referrals
- Land ownership disputes
Contact us:
📧 munya@zimpropertydigest.co.zw
📞 0772 678 324
🌐 www.zimpropertydigest.co.zw
“Land ownership is not just a document—it is identity, wealth, and legacy. SI 76 of 2025 is your chance to secure that legacy in a 21st-century framework.”
