In a strategic move to expand its footprint and service offering in Zimbabwe, Pam Golding Properties Zimbabwe has announced a merger with Donavans Property Consultants.

Says Dr Andrew Golding, chief executive of the Pam Golding Property group: “Having been at the forefront of the property market in Zimbabwe since 1998 we are delighted to announce that Pam Golding Properties Zimbabwe has partnered with Donavan’s Property Consultants, as part of our strategy to extend our footprint and provide an even broader spectrum of services across the various sectors of the market.

“We are delighted to welcome experienced realtor Vanessa Vos and her team to Pam Golding Properties. In the increasingly competitive and constantly evolving real estate business of today we value highly the qualities of entrepreneurial flair, professionalism and drive which are integral to the success of such a business.”

An international associate of global giant Savills, Pam Golding Properties has built its solid reputation marketing residential property  through its network of over 300 offices, operating in South Africa, Zimbabwe, Swaziland, Namibia, Zambia, Kenya, Mozambique, Botswana, Nigeria, and Uganda as well as the United Kingdom, Portugal, Spain, Mauritius, Seychelles and Miami.

Well established in Harare, Donavans Property Consultants has been operating in the residential property market in Zimbabwe since 2003.

Says Dr Golding: “The merged operation now offers both buyers and sellers the best advice and accurate, market-related valuations, based on the combined expertise and skills of its professional agents and backed by the extensive services and experience of the Pam Golding Property group.  In addition to our existing Harare office, the second branch of Pam Golding Properties Zimbabwe now operates from newly refurbished offices on the corner of Phillips Avenue and Sam Nujoma Street.

Juliet Harris, area principal and managing director of Pam Golding Properties Zimbabwe says: “We are expanding our business to maximise the Pam Golding Properties potential in this country and in due course intend to extend our world-class service to Bulawayo, Gweru, Mutare and Victoria Falls.

“Whether buying or selling, you need a name you can trust, backed by an international team with a first-class reputation.  Property transactions are complex and the buying or selling of a home can be stressful, which is why it is essential to use the services of a professional and experienced agent with a sound reputation in the marketplace.”

Vanessa Vos, former managing director of Donavans Property Consultants says: “We can best serve the interests of our clients with the backing of an internationally respected brand that offers innovative marketing opportunities and has a global reach.

“Having attended a Pam Golding Properties conference in Johannesburg I realised the range of options this merger would open up for my business and my clients – including international exposure. During my visit to South Africa I was impressed by the exceptional standard of training Pam Golding Properties provides and I know this merger will enable us to achieve even greater potential for our clients and make greater inroads into the property market.

“This forms part of an overall plan to extend the Pam Golding Properties operation throughout Zimbabwe, providing access to leading estate agents to people in all walks of life.”

 As part of this expansion, the enlarged company is aggressively recruiting and has already welcomed six new highly skilled agents to the team of experienced agents.

“We are positioning ourselves to capitalise on Zimbabwe’s economic turnaround,” says Harris. “In line with this we plan to launch different specialist offices that will cater for the property needs of all sectors of the market, from a top-end mansion in Borrowdale Brooke to a stand in Kuwadzana.

“Foreigners can buy property in Zimbabwe, which is priced in US dollar currency. Finance is available to local and international home purchasers, with current interest rates varying from 12 to 15 percent for high to low density accommodation, and with deposits of 25 percent generally required. Until interest rates fall into single digit territory, many properties will continue to be paid for in cash.”

Prices of residential property in Harare varies from $45 000 for a lower-end one bedroom apartment to around $3 million for a luxury mansion, with an average price of between $110 000 and $200 000.

Says Harris: “Depending on location, for a one to two bedroom apartment you can expect to pay between $45 000 and $60 000 in a lower-end area to $85 000 to $100 000 in a mid-level area and from $150 000 to $180 000 in a more upmarket suburb.

“A three bedroom house in a lower area is priced from $80 000 to $100 000, from $120 000 to $180 000 in a middle market suburb and from $200 000 to $250 000 in an upmarket area. In the same category areas a four to five bedroom house will fetch from $120 000 to $200 000, $220 000 to $320 000 and $350 000 to $500 000.”

A luxury mansion can be acquired for $700 000 to $1.5 million and up to $3 million. Prime locations in Harare are Borrowdale, Chisipite, Highlands Newlands, ‘The Ridge’ in Avondale and Borrowdale Brooke - which is a golf estate on the edge of Borrowdale.

Currently Pam Golding Properties Zimbabwe is marketing a new development in Greystone Park with three bedroom, two bathroom units with open plan lounge/dining room offering good value at $240 000.

For further information contact Pam Golding Properties Highlands Branch on +263 (4) 443254-6 or highlands@pamgolding.co.zw or Belgravia Branch on +263 (4) 705818 or belgravia@pamgolding.co.zw or visit http://www.pamgoldingzimbabwe.com/