Tigere REIT Sets Sights on Bulawayo

Tigere Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT) made waves last year as Zimbabwe's first-ever REIT listed on the stock exchange. Now this trailblazing company has set its sights on Zimbabwe's second-largest city, Bulawayo, as part of its ambitious plan to help solve the nation's housing shortage.

Tigere executives announced at a recent real estate conference that the company is actively seeking investment opportunities in Bulawayo and Matabeleland. Tigere recognizes the urgent need for new housing development in Bulawayo, where the housing backlog is estimated at over 100,000 units.

By mobilizing funding on the stock market, Tigere aims to launch major residential projects in Bulawayo on a scale far beyond what most private developers could achieve. The company's proven success in Harare has Tigere poised for rapid growth in Bulawayo's underserved housing market.

Tigere's expansion into Bulawayo will allow the company to diversify while meeting massive housing demand. With Zimbabwe's second-largest city firmly in its sights, Tigere is ramping up to bring its bold vision for quality affordable housing to tens of thousands of additional families.

Tigere made history in 2021 as the first-ever REIT to be listed on the Zimbabwe Stock Exchange. And their ambitious vision is to use private investments to fund large-scale residential and commercial property developments across Zimbabwe.

What is a REIT?

A REIT is a company that owns and operates income-producing real estate. REITs allow individual investors to earn dividends from real estate investments without having to buy, manage or finance properties themselves. 

REITs make money by leasing space in their properties to tenants. Publicly traded REITs are listed on major stock exchanges, which allows investors to easily buy and sell shares in the company. So buying shares in a REIT like Tigere is an easy way for investors big and small to gain exposure to Zimbabwe’s booming property market.

Why Tigere REIT is Different

Most REITs focus exclusively on commercial real estate like office buildings, shopping malls, warehouses and hotels. Tigere breaks the mould as one of the only REITs in Africa primarily targeting much-needed residential housing.

Tigere was launched by Terrace Africa Asset Management, a pioneering real estate investment firm focused exclusively on African markets. Terrace Africa recognized the immense need for quality affordable housing options in Zimbabwe. 

As a REIT, Tigere can raise funds from stock investors to finance housing projects across Zimbabwe on a scale far beyond what most private developers could achieve. Tigere has already started work on multiple large residential developments in Harare and plans major expansions into Bulawayo, Gweru and other high-demand markets.

Benefits for Investors

REITs generally offer investors stable dividends plus the potential for stock appreciation. For Tigere investors, they also get the reward of contributing to the betterment of Zimbabwe by helping fund quality housing for tens of thousands of families.  

Tigere offers an easy way for investors big and small to participate in Zimbabwe’s real estate boom. With shares publicly traded on the ZSE, investors can buy or sell at any time. And as a “pure play” residential REIT, Tigere’s fortunes are closely tied to the growing housing market.

Tigere has already delivered two dividend payments since its 2021 IPO. As Zimbabwe’s housing shortage continues to drive high demand, Tigere appears well-positioned to produce attractive returns for investors in the years ahead.

Tigere REIT is thinking big and building fast, showing the power of private capital to drive growth. For Tigere investors, the company offers an exciting opportunity to generate returns while participating in positive change. Tigere has set an important, transformative vision in motion - one that both the public and private spheres must now build on with urgency.