Abstract:
Property valuation for compensation of expropriated properties in Zimbabwe has been characterised
by inconsistencies for decades. Previous studies have noted that displaced people are dissatisfied with
the compensation paid by the expropriating authority. Even though many academic works were done
on expropriation and compensation in Zimbabwe, issues surrounding consistency in property
valuation practices and fairness of compensation paid remain unresearched. Thus, the purpose of this
paper is to close this gap. Data for this study were collected through primary sources (questionnaire
surveys to members of the compensation committee, private property valuers, designated property
valuers and former commercial farmers) and secondary sources (literature surveys including a review
of statutes, official reports, books, journals, and newsletters). Findings reveal that there is
inconsistency in property valuation for expropriation, no clear legal definition of what constitutes fair
compensation, and that views on the fairness of the compensation paid for expropriated properties in
Zimbabwe are divergent. The study suggests that there is a need to review existing expropriation and
compensation laws in Zimbabwe to create consistency in practice, thereby improving the fairness in
the amount of compensation paid to the displaced person(s).
