Buying property back home: How Tanzanians in diaspora can invest safely

DAR ES SALAAM: THOUSANDS of Tanzanians living abroad dream of owning land, building a home or investing in rental property back home. Yet, many lose substantial sums through fraud, disputed land ownership, stalled construction projects and poor property management.

Property and facilities management professional Emil Mdinda, author of The Tanzanian Diaspora Property Handbook, shares practical advice drawn from more than a decade of experience working with public institutions, private developers and international clients.

Q: What inspired you to write this book?

A: Over the years I met many Tanzanians in the diaspora who had lost significant amounts of money while trying to invest back home. In most cases, they were managing projects from thousands of kilometres away and relying entirely on trust. They couldn’t independently verify land ownership, monitor construction or supervise property after purchase.

I wrote the book to provide a practical roadmap that helps people invest with confidence while avoiding common and expensive mistakes.

Q: What is the biggest mistake Tanzanians in the diaspora make when buying property?

A: The most common mistake is paying before carrying out proper due diligence.

Many people commit funds before confirming ownership, inspecting the land or having an independent professional verify the transaction. Once money changes hands, it becomes much harder to resolve problems if something turns out to be wrong.

Q: What steps should every buyer take before sending money?

A: There are several essential steps. Carry out an official title search, obtain an independent valuation, physically verify the property’s boundaries, confirm the seller’s legal right to sell, and ensure all documents are properly prepared before payment is made. Where possible, payment should only be released once the legal transfer process is properly documented. These precautions reduce risk significantly.

Q: Why is professional property management important, especially for people living overseas?

A: Buying property is only the beginning. Someone still has to manage tenants, oversee maintenance, collect rent, keep proper records and protect the owner’s investment. Without professional management, even a good investment can become costly. Good systems help preserve property value and provide peace of mind for owners who cannot be physically present.

Q: Your career has involved both public institutions and private developers. How has that experience shaped your approach?

A: It taught me that successful property management depends on systems rather than individuals. During my work with organisations including the Zanzibar Social Security Fund (ZSSF), Zanzibar Housing Corporation (ZHC), the Bank of Tanzania (BoT) and leading private developers, we focused on improving operational efficiency, strengthening tenant management and creating transparent processes that could deliver consistent results. Those same principles are equally valuable for individual investors.

Q: You often speak about building teams. Why is that so important?

A: No major project succeeds because of one person. Throughout my career I have invested in recruiting capable people, training them and giving them clear systems to follow. Strong teams make it possible to maintain professional standards whether the owner is on site or living overseas.

Q: You are now expanding your work internationally through Terranova APRIL US LLC. What is the vision?

A: The goal is to create a trusted bridge between North American investors, including members of the Tanzanian diaspora and professionally managed real estate opportunities in East Africa. The emphasis is on compliance, transparency and longterm asset management rather than simply facilitating property transactions.

Q: What message would you like to leave with Tanzanians living abroad?

A: Investing back home can be one of the best long-term decisions you make, but it should be approached carefully.

Don’t rush. Verify everything independently, work with qualified professionals and insist on proper documentation. A little patience at the beginning can save years of financial loss later.

Mr Mdinda holds a Bachelor of Science in Property and Facilities Management from Ardhi University and founded Terranova Company Limited in 2014.

Working in Dar es Salaam and later Zanzibar, he has led projects in facilities management, property valuation, real estate agency, sales and advisory services for public institutions and private developers. His work has included engagements with the Zanzibar Social Security Fund, Zanzibar Housing Corporation and the Bank of Tanzania, alongside leading private-sector developments.

He also pioneered Tanzania’s first nationally televised real estate programme and organised the country’s first real estate exhibition at the National Parliament grounds.

Mr Mdinda is the author of The Tanzanian Diaspora Property Handbook and is currently establishing Terranova APRIL US LLC to connect international investors with professionally managed real estate opportunities in East Africa.