A Councillor in Zimbabwe’s City of Bulawayo has raised concerns over the high costs associated with changing home ownership, which he says are burdening low-income families.
Ward 21 Councillor Tinevimbo Maphosa noted that, according to the law, when a homeowner dies, the title deed must be transferred to the next of kin. However, the process has become unaffordable for many residents, particularly those who are unemployed or earn low incomes.
“The process of changing ownership is very expensive, and most residents simply cannot afford it,” Maphosa said. “This leaves families stuck, unable to secure legal ownership of their homes after the death of the original homeowner.”
He called on relevant authorities to review the costs or introduce measures that would ease the burden on struggling households.
The issue highlights broader challenges faced by urban residents, with economic hardship preventing many families from completing legal processes to secure property inheritance. Maphosa urged for solutions that prioritize vulnerable families to ensure their housing rights are protected.
