Unvalidated title deeds may not be recognised in future transactions, according to corroborated reports. Chief Registrar of the Department of Deeds, Companies and Intellectual Property, Willie Mushayi, has urged property owners to validate and securitise their title deeds, stating the programme is intended to safeguard property rights and strengthen the integrity of Zimbabwe's land records. Mushayi dismissed fears that the validation and securitisation exercise could result in the loss of property, and stressed that the initiative is designed to secure ownership records rather than deprive citizens of their assets. He said, 'We gave people 24 months and we have already gone through the first 12 months. They have the next 12 months within which action must take place.' Mushayi added, 'I know some people are apprehensive and ask what happens if they do not comply in time. You do not lose your rights in property. Neither does it change hands. It remains your property.' He cautioned property owners against using the assurance as a reason to delay compliance.

According to globallawexperts.com, the Deeds Registries Regulations, 2025 (Statutory Instrument 76 of 2025), introduce compulsory validation and replacement of paper title deeds within a strict 24-month window. The regulations mandate that every existing paper deed be submitted to the Registrar of Deeds for verification, after which title deed holders will receive secure digital title deeds. The regulations represent the most significant overhaul of Zimbabwe’s title-deed framework in decades, according to globallawexperts.com. The consequences of non-compliance with the Deeds Registries Regulations 2025 range from unmarketable title to collapsed transactions and contested estates, according to globallawexperts.com.