Title Deed Issuance Process in Chitungwiza The first phase of issuing title deeds in Chitungwiza focuses on the 57,000 long-standing municipal tents (also known as "ma core houses") that are currently on lease. If you are the property owner of a leased property, you qualify to apply for a title deed (Deed of Grant). What is a Deed of Grant? A Deed of Grant is a type of title deed that transfers ownership from state land to the beneficiary. The Process is Divided into Two Phases: Phase 1: Property Ownership Verification 1. Application Submission - Submit your application for verification via WhatsApp by sending a message that says "Hi" to [insert contact number]. - Include your ID and proof of ownership. 2. Payment - Make a payment of $10 USD via EcoCash, which will be initiated at the end of the submission process. 3. Council Verification The Council will check the following: - Are you the current owner according to their records? - Is your property surveyed? If your property is surveyed, you can proceed to the next step. Phase 2: Title Deed Process 1. Sign Acceptance Letter - Once verified, you will receive an acceptance letter from Chitungwiza Municipality to proceed from lease to title. - Pay a fee of $20 USD. 2. Rates Clearance - Sign local government documents (Declaration by Purchaser) at the district field office. - At this stage, you will pay $350 USD, which covers the cost of the title deed, including statutory fees (excluding variable stamp duty, which varies based on property size). 3. If Your Property is Not Surveyed - You will need to pay a survey fee. After the survey is completed, you can proceed to: - Step 2: Visit the district office for rates clearance and sign the local government declaration. This process is voluntary; no one is forced to apply for and process title deeds. However, it is important to note that a title deed is a better and secure form of property ownership and unlocks many benefits for the beneficiaries.