The prestigious Chas Everitt International Property Group officially launched its Zimbabwe operations yesterday evening at the Country Club in Newlands, Harare. The well-attended event, which kicked off at 7:30 pm, brought together government officials, business leaders, property sector stakeholders, and investors to witness this significant milestone in Zimbabwe's real estate landscape.
Founded in 1980 in South Africa, Chas Everitt has grown from a small family business with just one agent to a powerhouse with over 1,200 estate agents across more than 100 offices in South Africa. Their expansion into Zimbabwe marks their latest move in a growing African footprint that already includes Botswana, Namibia, and Zambia.
In his address, Chas Everitt COO Barry Davies highlighted the company's journey and their strategic decision to enter the Zimbabwean market. "Our decision to expand into Zimbabwe is a testament to the country's steady economic recovery and its growth in areas like agriculture, finance, and tourism," Davies noted. "We strongly believe that our entry is not just a business expansion for us, it's a vote of confidence in Zimbabwe's future."
Davies revealed impressive figures about Zimbabwe's property sector potential, stating that the market is "expected to be worth some USD85-billion this year and grow at an annual rate exceeding 5% to reach more than USD104-billion by the end of this decade."
The permanent secretary in the Ministry of Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs, Mrs. Vimbai Nyemba, who was the government representative at the event, commended Chas Everitt for their investment in Zimbabwe. "The presence of Chas Everitt in Zimbabwe is a robust endorsement of our unwavering vision to create a business environment that prioritizes economic growth and resilience," she said.
Mrs. Nyemba emphasized that the launch aligns with the government's Vision 2030 agenda of achieving upper-middle-income status. "Their innovative property solutions are tailored to meet the growing demand for housing and adapt to our evolving urban landscape. Additionally, their efforts to create jobs will empower our youth and skilled professionals," she noted.
Zimbabwean Leadership Team
The Zimbabwean operation will be led by a team of local business experts, with Trevor Jakachira as CEO, Commissioner Chipo Mandela as Board Chairperson, Evelyn Fadzayi Mbundire as COO, and Dustin George leading PR and Marketing.
In his address, CEO Trevor Jakachira expressed his commitment to maintaining the high standards associated with the Chas Everitt brand globally. "As the new leaders of a global brand, we recognize the immense responsibility that comes with upholding the high standards and expectations that Chas Everitt International Property Group has established worldwide," Jakachira stated. "We are committed to bringing these global expectations to our customers in Zimbabwe."
Market Focus and Strategy
The new Harare office will focus on prime residential properties in upmarket suburbs such as Avondale, Borrowdale, and Mount Pleasant. The team is assembling experienced estate agents to provide comprehensive real estate services including sales, leasing, and property management to both local and international buyers.
One of Chas Everitt's key strengths is its global reach through its affiliation with Leading Real Estate Companies of the World®, a network that spans 76 countries with 4,800 offices and approximately 135,000 estate agents worldwide. This connection positions them uniquely to link Zimbabwean property developers and owners with affluent investors from around the world.
Corporate Social Responsibility
The launch event also showcased Chas Everitt's commitment to corporate social responsibility through their PSR (Property Social Responsibility) initiative. During the ceremony, the company announced sponsorship for students from Mother Touch School to travel to Manchester City's Etihad Stadium to compete against the Leeds youth team, demonstrating their investment in local youth development.
Mrs. Nyemba praised this early commitment to giving back to the community, saying, "I am quite elated by the gesture... you are already giving back to the community before the official launch. That is quite commendable."
Zimbabwe Property Market Trends
Davies shared valuable insights about the current property market trends in Zimbabwe, noting that "an influx of expatriates and business professionals has driven prime residential rents up by more than 10% over the past three years, so that four-bedroom apartments or homes in Harare are now commanding up to USD3,500 a month."
He also highlighted the significant role of platforms like Airbnb in fueling demand for short-term rental units and holiday homes, creating opportunities for investors. "A significant portion of current property inquiries is driven by Zimbabweans abroad looking to invest in luxury rental apartments as well as family homes, and by global investors who are always on the lookout for diversification opportunities in thriving emerging markets," Davies explained.
Propertybook Partnership
The event recognized key local partnerships that will support Chas Everitt's operations in Zimbabwe. In her vote of thanks, COO Evelyn Mbundire acknowledged several important allies, including Propertybook. "Our many suppliers and supporters: Propertybook, led by Mark Conway, and his team, are here with us tonight. We really appreciate them," Mbundire said, highlighting the important role of established local property platforms in their market entry strategy.
As Zimbabwe's property sector continues to evolve despite challenges such as currency instability and regulatory uncertainties, the entry of international players like Chas Everitt signals growing investor confidence in the country's real estate potential. With their combination of global expertise and local leadership, Chas Everitt is positioned to make a significant impact on Zimbabwe's property landscape.
For more information about Chas Everitt International Property Group in Zimbabwe, visit www.chaseveritt.co.zw, contact their Harare office, or browse their listings on Propertybook.co.zw
Propertybook is Zimbabwe's leading property portal, connecting buyers, sellers, landlords, and tenants with the best real estate opportunities across the country.
