PROPERTY

JULY 2021

NEWS
BUYING GUIDE|LOCATION | LEGAL |FINANCE

ASPIRE HEIGHTS
UNVEILED

WHAT IS BRIDGE
FINANCING?

PRODUCED BY

FOCUS ON
ZIMRE PARK
 PROPERTY
NEWS

TABLE OF
WELCOME CONTENTS
TO OUR
The Concept of Neighborhood • . P5
JULY ISSUE
What is Bridge Financing • .P8

M
Aspire Heights Unveiled • .P10

onth number seven of 2021 is finally here, and we’re

proud to present you with this month’s edition of Property Focus on Zimre Park• P. 12

News Magazine. This blue-themed issue puts the limelight

on property financing and neighborhoods, as well as Zimbabwe Construction Industry

sustainable design tactics. Tours Lafarge • P. 14

In property news, one major point of emphasis in this issue is The Making of a Home Part 5

the unveil of Aspire heights by Aspindale and the innovation • P. 18

around the development.

PUBLISHER
We also look into the concept of building better communities Exclusive Media (Pvt) Ltd
through better neighborhoods; Allan Chibaya seeks to UK Distribution by Homes & Styles Magazine
highlight some of his experiences around building Newsstand Magazine - www.newsstand.co.uk
neighborhoods that are habitable. UK office contacts -Agnes Zengeya on
. email:editor@homesnstyles.com
We also share some highlights of the Zimbabwe
Construction Industry Association tour of Lafarge( ZCIA). MANAGING EDITOR ShaanaPuwai
ZCIA is the umbrella body of all the build industry OPERATIONS DIRECTOR Takunda Rusere
associations and institutes. SALES & MARKETING EXECUTIVE
H&S SALES
Along with Tri Pointe, we’re also featuring powerhouse
DIGITAL MARKETING H&S Media
homebuilders Lennar and City Ventures to fill out this
CONTRIBUTORS
month’s lineup of green builders.
IDG | Takunda Rusere | Allan Chibaya
PHOTOGRAPHERS
In our suburban feature we focus on Zimre Park and explore
H&S Media
this area and how it has developed over the years. It’s
DESIGN & LAYOUT
certainly a place that is screaming with home construction
H&S Design
activities. Additionally, we also have contributions from IDG's
EXCLUSIVE MEDIA CONTACTS
Ben Kunaka, where he breaks down the points to consider
when building a home architecturally. Call:+263 773263456/+263 773 226 301
Email:sales@homesnstyles.com

While we head toward July we continue to encourage editor@homesnstyles.com

everyone to stay safe and observe all the covid-19 Facebook Page:Homes & Styles Zimbabwe
regulations as the third wave is now upon us. Magazine
Website:www.homesnstyles.com

Happy Reading
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accepted at our normal rates and all rights (unless initially specifed otherwise)
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any damages that arise from any advertisement placed in this publication by the
Takunda Rusere advertisers. The advertiser is liable for all damages that are caused either by the
advertisement or listings and relieves Exclusive Media
 H&S PROPERTY NEWS

THE CONCEPT OF
NEIGHBOURHOOD:
STARTING THE “A community is

DEBATE like a ship;

everyone ought to
By Allan Chabisa be prepared to
“A community is like a ship; everyone This is not something to argue about. take the helm.”
ought to be prepared to take the helm.” But immediately, when we do so, we Henrik Ibsen
Henrik Ibsen find ourselves staring at many aspects.
These aspects draw from many fields.
A friend and I, in our deepest
conversations, agree that any good We must consider aesthetics and learn
programme of study ought to employ art.
We must think of the
certain tenets of others. Increasingly perception buyers into
now, content from different subjects We must think of the perception the neighbourhood
converge into a formation that will buyers into the neighbourhood will get
will get and draw
continuously attract other content. and draw from architecture,
Infinitely. marketing, sociology. from architecture,
marketing, sociology.
It is a complex world. In the Zimbabwean context, with the
collapse of infrastructure and
I had feel strongly that we must deal deteriorating access to public services,
with property and simultaneously deal we must consider roads, water supply
with how we can create sound or and wastewater drainage.
attractive neighbourhoods.

HOMES & STYLES PROPERTY NEWS| 5

 H&S PROPERTY NEWS
Land or real estate have always been political
topics. This is not only a Zimbabwean
phenomenon. You buy into an area after
considering legal issues and political ones too.
Then there are the physical aspects. This is an
opener to a debate on how we can fashion our
neighbourhoods into ones that other people
can desire to visit, to buy into and spend their
fortune in. The greater the attraction, the
more valuable the properties. Is this not what
investment into real estate is about?
At a point, I was embarrassed to reveal the
fact that, in my early working life, I lived in
about (see I am not even certain!) eight
locations in seven years! Footloose. But I did
my best to observe each neighbourhood and
walked in them a fair bit.
I shared a flat in the CBD in Bulawayo. Still
there, I lived in three high-density suburb, a
couple of low-density suburbs, and finally in a
flat again.
I grew up in a high-density location in Harare.
On my return from Bulawayo, I briefly
returned to our family home for a year or two
before living in low-density locations. I have
slept over in several towns in Zimbabwe and
even lived in a good number.
My current interests are centred around the
mobilisation of neighbourhoods towards
common goals.
So I have dipped my head into the nitty-
gritties of homeowner’s associations in
general terms then on, especially, their
security functions.
In my day job, I work with people and listen to them share
their stories about their areas. When you dry your maize in
certain locations, you must keep watch, or you will lose it. You
can leave your car unlocked overnight in some areas and still
drive it away the next morning. Residents are up in arms with
a shop owner about to commision a fun spot behind their
premises.
I am working to almost concluding that neighbourhoods are
not renowned by their people. People carve the reputation of
their neighbourhoods. The conscious ones know that they are,
in those action meant to create better homes, as they tend
their yards and paint their houses, they are communicating to
neighbours who are not doing it to follow suit. They are
changing the image of their homes one at a time. In the grand
scheme, or, more importantly, they are raising value of their
properties. The more the houses that look like theirs, the
higher that value gets.
What is Rome? What is the Vatican? What is Chisipite or
Mbare? What is Rhodene or Mucheke? What is Nketa or
Burnside? What is (perhaps the most common suburb name)
Hillside?
Suburbs and neighbourhoods are people.
In decoding strategies on how to create better
neighbourhoods or localities, the elephant in the room is
culture. We must understand community.
Let us address this subject together and explore the aspects
involved in this debate. I intend to cover specific locations and
engage in conversations people in places I plan to feature.
Having discovered the similarity between neighbourhoods and
organisations (set up for profit and non-profit). Vison. But this
must be unpacked, and analyses made into why some succeed,
and others fail. It is true that a neighbourhood can fail. There
are failed neighbourhoods in Zimbabwe just like there are
failed companies.
It is about value. But it is mostly about vision and leadership. A
story who moved in or left like it is about who got recruited or
left.
HOMES & STYLES PROPERTY NEWS| 6
Our neighbourhoods share certain aspects. There must have roads so they can be accessed, trees inside and
outside properties, security, public spaces, retail shops, hair salons, good schools, beautiful views.

We often overlook the soft issues: the “spirit”, history, street names, ethics, rules, unity, penalties, consequences,
attractors, reputation, leadership, vision, leadership… The soft issues are value-adding to, I think, a greater extent
than the physical ones. They explain the phenomenon of community.

A neighbourhood is what you see but it is made by a community. And we cannot separate a discussion on
community and neighbourhoods in our consideration of property and properties.
Let us explore this here.
 H&S PROPERTY NEWS

WHAT IS
BRIDGING
FINANCE?
By Staff Writer
Bridging Finance allows purchasers or sellers to
have access to cash before the registration and
transfer process has been completed.

The seller is able to use the funds to pay

outstanding rates and taxes, for example. The
purchaser can use the funds to pay the transfer
fees so that the transfer process is not delayed.

Bridging finance can be a useful tool to help you

out of a ‘catch-22’ situation, like having to wait for
the profit of the sale of your house to pay for the
registration and transfer costs of your new home.

VERY IMPORTANT: Make sure you understand all

the costs involved when using this type of short
term lending. Find out if there are administration
costs, what interest will be levied, and so on
because this type of financing can be expensive.

Most institutions that provide bridging finance will

only finance up to 80% of the surplus money
which you will receive from the sale of your
property.

HOMES & STYLES PROPERTY NEWS| 8

H&S NEWS

L U X U R Y A S P I R E

H E I G H T S

A P A R T M E N T S

U P F O R

P R E - S A L E
By Takunda Rusere

Zimbabwe property developer Aspindale Park,

earlier this month showcased their stunning
new residential development, Aspire Heights.

The development is set in one of the most

sought-after suburbs in the southwest of
Harare, Aspindale, the four-storey, 16-
apartment development aims to provide an
opportunity for homeowners and investors to
own quality apartments at affordable market
value.

Aspire Heights show house

The developers chose a modern open plan living layout.
It’s a compact but well-utilised space that flows well. Each
unit will come with a gas and electric stove, extractor and
2 in 1 washer dryer machine. One of their talented team
members Gloria did the interior design for the show unit.
They try to support local with every element possible.
All the apartments have their own gas for hot water and
cooking. Piped gas to each household is a common
occurrence in first world countries. It’s safe, convenient
Each apartment has its own ZESA, Gas and
Water meter. All connected to an app which
makes it very simple to monitor and make
payments towards. All the provisions and
wiring have been made to install a backup
battery and inverter system so you can
always have lights and plugs points on.
I T ’ S A N E N E R G Y S O U R C E T H A T

and affordable. It’s an energy source that we will make W E W I L L M A K E S U R E E V E R Y

sure every resident have a constant supply of energy,
always able to have a hot shower and cook a meal. R E S I D E N T H A V E A C O N S T A N T

S U P P L Y O F E N E R G Y ,

HOMES & STYLES PROPERTY NEWS| 10

 H&S PROPERTY NEWS

Aspire Heights is part of Aspindale’s gated community with 24hour security. Each unit will have a connection
to high-speed fibre internet and DSTV all set up so you can plug n play when you move in. 30% deposit and
balance payable over two years.

Aspire Heights Point also have a wide range of sought-after amenities, schools, a small upmarket shopping
mall (Aspindale Mall), and a variety of restaurants, a playing area for kids and coffee shops in the area.
There is going to be a body corporate responsible for the maintenance of common areas, car park, private
waste collection. The body corporate will agree on the rules for residents. Aspindale Park shall be a part of this

SWEN
group. It is in their intentions to keep Aspire Heights as neat and smart as possible as they wish to continue
constructing flats around Harare and Zimbabwe and this will be their shining example that future project
buyers can come and see as a real reference.

The uptake for Aspindale Park was overwhelming. All 1200 stands were sold out within 18 months of opening
them up to the market. To date 90% of the stands have structures. They have found that their residents are
very house proud, and once everyone has completed their construction it’s going to be a beautiful suburb. In
addition Aspindale Park has received great support for its development from the City Council as it is in line
with the Harare Smart City drive.

For more info visit www.aspireheights.co.zw or call toll free 08080488

3D Housing Illustration
HOMES & STYLES PROPERTY NEWS| 11
 Zimre Park Primary School, and
Ralph Junior School. The suburb is
located between two major
industrial areal one in Ruwa and the
othe in Msasa.

AFFORDABILITY:
Over the past decade, Zimre Park
has seen a slight increase in
property value due to demand of
SURBURB REVIEW
housing space. This makes it one of
SPONSORED BY LAFARGE the best performing suburbs in the

Focus On
east of .

DEVELOPMENTS
With new land releases in the area

Zimre Park rare, most new developments in the

area take the form of higher density
residential and commercial projects.
Currently under development in the
area is Zimre extension, which offers
Undergoing a lot of change at the moment, the Zimre a rare opportunity to purchase a
Park area is becoming one of the most sought-after large and spacious stands with
by professionals and families access to several community
facilities. Ideal for families, this new
project is situated in a great
location.

THINGS WE LOVE…
·Zimre Park is close to quite literally
everything residents need, which is
convenient for residents: farmers
markets, the CBD, workplaces – it’s all
close by.

Z imre Park is an older, established

suburb located 17 kilometres south-
runs through along Zimre Park is
accessed via the A1 (Mutare Road)
the major roads. There is a bus
east of Harare’s CBD. It borders the system set up throughout the
suburbs of Rockview Park, Mabvuku, suburb, and both have easy
Damofalls and Chapukutu Park. Over access to the train network.
the past 5 years Zimre has been Zimre Park also has a few medical
rediscovered as a new development centers and shopping centre
hotspot with a number of housing dotted around. As noted
projects now redefining what it is previously, Zimre Park has an
like to live here. extensive range of existing
amenities and services as well as
LOCATION & TRANSPORT public transport connectivity
The Zimre Park area is great for
commuters – it is a 30-minute drive Education and Employment:
A property under construction
to the city centre and less than 20 There are six major schools in
in Zimre Park.
minutes to the city. Zimre way Zimre itself: Green Olive Primary
School,
HOMES & STYLES PROPERTY NEWS| 12
 Be part of the Best Practices Advocacy through the evolution of Aluminium in the Construction Industry of Zimbabwe.
Join the Architectural Community in this virtual conversation on standards, specifications, quality and related issues.

This is a free-to-attend webinar addressing the BEST PRACTISES, STANDARDS AND QUALITY IN ARCHITECTURAL ALUMIINIUM.

The event will demonstrate how the aluminium industry is making continuous improvements in the field of sustainability, as well as its
sustainability benefits in end-use applications. The event will also bring industry front runners Tregers through their regional brand iBuild
Aluminium to share their knowledge and expertise in the said field.

Event Highlights:
IAZ events are also perfect for those individuals who are always in search of the most up-to-date knowledge in various fields of construction and
value addition.

• IAZ as the custodian or gatekeeper for Standards, Quality and Aesthetics

• Importance of benchmarking on Best Practices
• Trends in the Architectural Aluminium Industry
• Short Comings in the fragmented Aluminium Industry in Zimbabwe).
• Treger Group’s Commitment to Standards & Quality Products to the Construction Industry
HOMES & STYLES PROPERTY NEWS| 13
 ZCIA TOURS LAFARGE'S
DRY MORTAR PLANT
Zimbabwe Construction Industry Association recently toured the Lafarge new dry mortar plant.
The Association is the umbrella body of the construction Industry in ZImbabwe. See tour in pics...

HOMES & STYLES PROPERTY NEWS| 14

 3 WAYS TO SPOT AN
UP AND COMING SUBURB
Staff Writer
When it comes to maximizing returns on real
estate investments, it’s all about location,
location, location. Knowing where (and when) to
purchase can make a significant difference in the
kinds of returns one can expect to generate.
The guidance of an industry expert plays a crucial
role towards helping buyers and sellers make
sound real estate investment decisions.
Rental Prices Increase
Rental returns are always a good indicator of demand
to live in a suburb. A good sign is that rental prices in a
suburb start increasing in value. This is a demand
signal that often results from buildings having been
upgraded and landlords having invested into their
properties. Alternatively, an increase in rental demand
could be as a result of tenants moving into the area
because it is cheaper than an area that is more
established. Soon, this demand will drive up prices and
the suburb will become more established over time.
Watch for Spill Over Areas
Up-and-coming suburbs are often spill-over areas that
neighbour existing established suburbs. These
communities are just outside where all the growth is
happening. Property prices are usually more affordable
in these areas but are still within close proximity to all
the action of the established suburb. Over time,
homeowners invest and renovate older properties and
the spill over suburb catches up in value as demand
keeps growing.
New Schools & Shopping Centers
Watch out for new schools and shopping centres as
these are sure signs of future suburb growth and
ultimately price appreciation.
Just as one might consult a financial advisor
before deciding on an investment fund,
consulting a real estate advisor can help
buyers make an informed decision when
deciding upon a suburb in which to invest.
Below, in the feature we list our top three
tips on how to spot an up-and-coming
suburb:
Renovations or upgrades to existing schools and
shopping centres could also stand to increase the appeal
of the suburb and bolster property values.
Quite opposite to the points discussed above, we also
warns buyers of the potential red flags that signify that a
suburb is about to lower in value. Vacancies and rental
decreases are a sure sign that demand is dwindling.
Investors should also watch for municipal planning
changes where industrial or commercial zones start
invading residential spaces. Similarly, suburb
deterioration can happen very quickly when
municipalities neglect basic services, so keep an eye out
for municipal parks and common spaces looking over-
grown and piling up with litter.
As a final piece of advice, we suggests that there are
several ways for investors to keep up to date with the
latest investment hot spots, including befriending a
network of reliable real estate advisors. Nobody knows an
area better than those who work on the ground every
single day. My advice to investors is to build a network of
productive real estate professionals who know the
market nuances better than anyone else and can keep
you abreast of real time property sales per square meter
pricing, rental yields, number of days on market, and % of
selling price to asking price.
HOMES & STYLES PROPERTY NEWS| 16
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HOMES & STYLES PROPERTY NEWS| 18

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 FIND
your home
IN SHAMVA

STANDS
OUR STANDS ARE NOW
SELLING
AVAILABLE FOR VIEWING PAYMENT
OPTIONS
AVAILABLE

GOLDEN HEIGHTS

Features
Stand 2312, Golden Heights,
Shamva, Zimbabwe
Tel: +263 662137464
Cell: +263 772 885 749
+263 776 165 170
WWW.GOLDENHEIGHTS.CO.ZW
Low density
1500sqm – 8000sqm
Residential Stands/
Agro-residential Stands
School & Church Stands
Serviced
H&S PROPERTY NEWS
H&S PROPERTY NEWS

UPCOMING SHAMVA
RESIDENTIAL SUBURB

Golden Heights is located 28km from Bindura (The Provincial

Capital of Mashonaland Central), and 89km north of Harare. The
housing scheme is just a step away from Shamva Town center, the
sleeping giant of Shamva District. Golden Heights housing scheme
is committed to offering descent, and world-class
accommodation.

Golden Heights is a Low-density residential scheme, withstands

measuring from 1500sqm to 8000sqm, with the exception of
institutional stands that exceed that range. Available stands
include the aforementioned residential stands, agro-residential
plots industrial stands, creche stands, school stands, church
stands, and cemetery stands. Historically, Goldenheights was a
Farm called “Remainder of Samva”, owned by the Gurumombe
family, but because of the proximity to the town center the farm
was subdivided, and the subdivision permit granted in 2013. From
the inception of the Golden Heights Housing Scheme, quality
standards and decency have always been at the heart of all
operations.

The stands have been serviced; road servitude and water

connections have already been implemented to the satisfaction of
compliance standards of local authority bodies namely ZINWA and
CRDC (Chaminuka Rural District Council), but suffice to say that
servicing of the housing scheme is still in progress to reach the
envisioned standard.

The stands are sold with flexible payment terms and have title
deeds. www.goldenheights.co.zw
HOMES & STYLES PROPERTY NEWS| 21