Inheriting Property and Money in Zimbabwe from the UK: What to Do When a Parent Dies

When a parent or close relative dies leaving assets in Zimbabwe, UK-based Zimbabweans face a dual legal process — one in the UK and one in Zimbabwe. Both must be completed properly for inheritance to be transferred lawfully. Understanding how both systems work, and where they intersect, saves time, money, and considerable family stress. ## The UK Side: Probate and Inheritance Tax If the deceased lived in the UK and held UK assets — a bank account, property, pension, or investments — the estate must go through the UK probate process before anything can be distributed. Probate is the legal authority granted to an executor (named in a will) or administrator (appointed where there is no will) to manage and distribute the estate. The process follows these steps: 1. **Establish whether probate is needed.** Contact banks and financial institutions directly. Some will release small amounts without a Grant of Probate, but most require it for property and larger accounts. 2. **Value the estate.** All assets — including any Zimbabwe property — must be valued at the date of death. Overseas property is converted to GBP at the exchange rate on the date of death; you cannot choose a favourable rate. 3. **Assess Inheritance Tax (IHT).** The UK IHT threshold (nil-rate band) for 2024/25 is £325,000. Estates above this are taxed at 40% on the excess. If the deceased was UK-domiciled, their worldwide estate is assessable — including Zimbabwe property, land, and savings. IHT is paid by the estate, not the beneficiary. 4. **Apply for the Grant of Probate** through the Probate Registry (online or by post). Executors named in the will apply for a Grant of Probate. If there is no will, the closest living relative applies for Letters of Administration under UK intestacy rules. 5. **Administer and distribute** once the grant is issued — settle debts, pay taxes, and distribute assets according to the will or intestacy rules. If the deceased held only Zimbabwe assets and was not UK-resident or UK-domiciled, UK probate may not be required — but you should confirm this with a solicitor familiar with cross-border estates. ## The Zimbabwe Side: Administration of Estates Act In Zimbabwe, the Administration of Estates Act [Chapter 6:01] governs how a deceased person's estate is handled. The Master of the High Court oversees all estate administration and has offices in Harare, Bulawayo, Mutare, Gweru, and Masvingo. The process in Zimbabwe works as follows: 1. **Report the estate.** The death and the existence of an estate must be reported to the Master of the High Court, typically within 14 days of death where the deceased had assets in Zimbabwe. This is done by the executor or a family member. 2. **Appointment of executor.** If there is a valid Zimbabwean will naming an executor, that person applies for Letters of Administration at the Master's office. If there is no will, or if the executor is based outside Zimbabwe, a suitable person — often a family member in Zimbabwe or a local lawyer — is appointed. 3. **Inventory and valuation.** All Zimbabwe assets — land, immovable property, bank accounts, shares, cattle, business interests — must be identified and formally valued. 4. **Liquidation account.** The executor files a liquidation and distribution account with the Master, detailing assets, debts, and proposed distribution. Creditors are given notice to lodge claims. This account is open for inspection, usually for 21 days. 5. **Distribution.** Once the Master approves the account and all debts and taxes are settled, assets are distributed to beneficiaries. For estates involving immovable property (land or a house), the deeds office must register the transfer of title. This requires a conveyancer — a specialist property lawyer — in Zimbabwe. ## When the Will Is UK-Based but Assets Are in Zimbabwe A UK will is not automatically recognised in Zimbabwe. Zimbabwean law generally allows a foreign will to be admitted to probate if it was validly executed under the law of the country where it was made. However, this is not automatic. A UK Grant of Probate or Letters of Administration may need to be resealed or recognised by the Zimbabwean Master before it carries authority in Zimbabwe. This is one of the most common complications for diaspora families. A UK solicitor and a Zimbabwe-based lawyer should ideally work together. Firms such as Tann Law in the UK have established working relationships with Zimbabwean estate administrators and can manage both sides of the process. ## Intestacy: When There Is No Will If your parent died without a will (intestate), Zimbabwe's Administration of Estates Act sets out who inherits. The surviving spouse is entitled to the matrimonial home and household goods. Children inherit the residual estate in equal shares. Where there is no surviving spouse or children, the estate passes to parents, then siblings. Under customary law, inheritance rules differ significantly, particularly for communal land. Customary law disputes — especially those involving in-laws claiming property from a widow — remain a documented issue in Zimbabwe. The Deceased Estates Succession Act provides some protections, but enforcement can be inconsistent. If you suspect a family member's estate is being claimed improperly by in-laws or extended family, a Zimbabwean lawyer should be engaged promptly. ## Practical Steps for UK-Based Beneficiaries - **Obtain multiple certified copies of the death certificate** — UK institutions and Zimbabwean courts both require originals or certified copies. - **Locate the will** — check at home, with the deceased's UK solicitor, or through the UK Probate Registry's will search service. - **Identify all Zimbabwe assets** — title deeds, bank statements, ZIMRA tax records, and any share certificates. Contact Zimbabwe banks directly; some have diaspora or estate enquiry processes. - **Appoint a Zimbabwean lawyer** — particularly if there is property, land, or any likelihood of dispute. The Law Society of Zimbabwe (lawsociety.org.zw) maintains a register of practising attorneys. - **Understand currency** — Zimbabwe property valuations are typically in USD. HMRC requires conversion to GBP at the date-of-death exchange rate for UK IHT purposes. - **Allow for time** — Zimbabwe estate administration can take 12 to 36 months for straightforward cases and considerably longer where there are disputes, missing documents, or communal land complications. ## Capital Gains Tax Considerations If you inherit Zimbabwe property and later sell it, Capital Gains Tax (CGT) may apply in Zimbabwe on the gain above the inherited value. In the UK, if you sell at a profit above the probate value, UK CGT may also apply. Keep careful records of the property's value at the date of inheritance. ## Getting Help Cross-border estates are legally complex and emotionally difficult to manage alone. UK solicitors with experience in Zimbabwe estate administration can co-ordinate with Harare-based lawyers, handle resealing of grants, manage UK probate, and advise on IHT. Firms specifically experienced in Zimbabwe and UK cross-border work include Tann Law. MATLAW in Harare handles estate administration for locally held assets and can liaise with UK-based executors.