DIGITISATION OF TITLE DEEDS

Do you still hold a paper title deed issued before Zimbabwe’s new Deeds Registries Regulations? If so, you must validate that deed with the Deeds Registry — failure to do so may block future transfers, financing and other property transactions.

What changed?
In July 2025 the Government introduced the Deeds Registries Regulations, 2025 (S.I. 76 of 2025), which require validation and digital re‑issuance of all “old” title deeds issued prior to the new system. The reforms replace the paper-first regime with a securitised electronic title system designed to improve security, reduce fraud and modernise property records.

Why you must act now?

• Protect your ownership rights: validated (securitised) deeds will be the legally recognised proof of ownership going forward.
• Avoid transfer and financing delays: banks and conveyancers will likely insist on validated deeds when processing mortgages or sales.
• Prevent penalties and complications: non‑compliance may impede transfers or attract administrative penalties under the Regulations.

What you need for the process?

• Original identification (National ID, passport or driver’s licence).
• Your current original title deed(s).
• Where applicable: company registration documents, powers of attorney, letters of administration, trust deeds, or executor documents.
• The prescribed validation fee as set out in the Regulations.

How the validation process works:

• Submission: Old deeds and supporting documents must be submitted to the Deeds Registry (either personally or via a duly appointed professional, e.g., a conveyancer, with a notarised power of attorney where needed).
• Verification: The Deeds Registry will verify the authenticity of each submitted deed and reconcile the records.
• Re‑issuance: On successful validation the Registrar will issue securitised (digital/electronic) deeds and record them in the new digital registry system. The securitised deeds will be printed in a secured format and become the recognised title.
• Old deeds: Once issued, the old paper deeds will be surrendered and may be destroyed or archived in accordance with the Registrar’s powers.

Important deadline
All holders of old title deeds have 24 months from the publication date of S.I. 76 of 2025 to submit their deeds for validation; this period runs until approximately mid‑July 2027. After that transitional period, only securitised deeds will carry full legal effect.

Practical tips for owners

• Do not delay: gather your deed and ID now and book an appointment with your conveyancer or the Deeds Registry.
• Use a conveyancer where possible: lawyers can submit documents on your behalf (ensure you provide an appropriately executed power of attorney).
• Check corporate and estate paperwork early: companies, executors and trustees should ensure corporate and estate documentation is in order before submission.
• Keep copies: retain certified copies of all documents you submit and request receipts or tracking references for submissions.