In Zambia, estate agency is a regulated profession overseen by the Zambia Institute of Estate Agents (ZIEA). Whether you are selling, buying, renting out, or looking for a home, choosing a licensed agent is one of the most important steps you can take to safeguard your investment and avoid costly mistakes.
Why Licensing Matters
A licensed agent is bound by professional standards, ethical rules, and a code of conduct. This means:
- Your transaction is handled transparently and legally.
- Funds, documentation, and negotiations follow regulated procedures.
- You have recourse through ZIEA if anything goes wrong.
Unlicensed “property consultants” operate outside any oversight. When problems arise—misrepresentation, loss of money, agreements falling apart—clients are left with no avenue for protection.
What ZIEA Requires From Licensed Agents
Every registered estate agent must:
- Hold a valid ZIEA licence and adhere to the regulatory framework.
- Conduct business ethically and disclose important information.
- Market properties professionally and responsibly.
- Avoid practices such as viewing fees or unverified listings.
These standards exist to protect consumers and ensure that property transactions—often the biggest financial decisions people make—are handled correctly.
Verifying That an Agent Is Legitimate
Before working with anyone, take a moment to verify their credentials. A genuine agent will happily provide:
- Their ZIEA Registration Number
- Their agency’s official details and their Corporate ZIEA Registration Number
- Written communication confirming their authority to act
You can also request evidence that the seller or landlord has given permission for the property to be marketed.
About Mandates
While it is recommended for a seller or landlord to sign a written mandate, it is not legally compulsory yet. Unfortunately, many clients are hesitant to sign one.
In such cases, best practice is for the registered agent to:
- Speak directly with the owner,
- Agree on the marketing terms verbally, and
- Confirm these terms in writing via email or message.
This ensures transparency and protects both parties.
Real Risks of Using Illegal Agents
Consumers often only understand the danger after falling victim to it. Some common consequences include:
- Viewing fees charged for properties that don’t exist
- Double-selling or double-renting due to unauthorised marketing
- Inflated prices because multiple illegal agents are involved
- Loss of deposits with no accountability or refunds
- Fraudulent or misleading documentation
In every case, victims have no regulatory body to intervene, and recovery of funds is rare.
How Property Partners Ensures Professional, Ethical Conduct
Property Partners is committed to raising industry standards and protecting clients. Our internal processes include:
- Working exclusively with ZIEA-registered agents and negotiators
- Verifying ownership before marketing any property
- Clear communication with sellers and landlords—verbally and in writing
- Ethical marketing practices with full transparency
- Ongoing training in compliance, documentation, and market trends
Our clients benefit from reliable guidance, accurate information, and a smooth transaction process from start to finish.
