HARARE housing agents exposed

Philemon Jambaya

Zim Now Editor

A shocking scam has been unearthed in Harare's housing market, where unscrupulous agents are exploiting desperate home seekers.

These agents demand upfront fees, ranging from USD$20 to USD$35, promising to find the perfect home. However, victims allege that once payment is made, the agents fail to deliver, refusing refunds and leaving hopeful tenants stranded.

"I paid USD$30 to an agent who promised me a beautiful 3-bedroom house in Avondale," said Sarah Moyo, a frustrated home seeker. "When I saw the house, it was a dump. The agent disappeared, and I never got my refund."

"I was charged USD$25 by an agent who claimed to have a lovely 2-bedroom apartment in Belvedere," said Tendai Nyoni. "The apartment was already occupied. When I asked for a refund, the agent promised to find me a better place, but that was just a lie.

"These agents know we're desperate, and they take advantage of that," said Rudo Chitengu, who lost USD$20 to a deceitful agent. "I was shown a house that didn't exist. The agent blocked my number after I demanded a refund."

"I paid USD$35 to an agent who promised me a luxurious 4-bedroom house in Borrowdale," said Kudzai Mhlanga. "The house was nonexistent. Now, I'm skeptical about dealing with agents altogether."

Speaking on condition of anonymity, an agent admitted to the practice. "We charge upfront fees because we need to make a living. Sometimes, we don't find the perfect house, but we promise to keep looking. It's not ideal, but it's how the industry works."