MBABANE – A recent property scam in which a prospective home buyer allegedly lost E240 000 has prompted the Eswatini Realtors Association (ESWARA) to renew its call for the urgent regulation of the country’s real estate industry.
The association issued a statement following a case under investigation by Lobamba Police, where a 28-year-old man from Ndlembeni was allegedly defrauded by individuals posing as legitimate property agents and homeowners.
According to police, the complainant reported that on May 14, 2026, he paid E240 000 after responding to a house advertisement on Facebook. The property was reportedly being marketed by a person claiming to be a real estate agent.
Police said the victim communicated with the purported agent several times before being taken to view the property in Ezulwini. Upon arrival, he was allegedly introduced to a woman who claimed to be the owner of the house. Other individuals present at the property were introduced as prospective buyers interested in purchasing the same house.
Investigators say the group convinced the victim that demand for the property was high and urged him to move quickly to secure the purchase by paying a deposit.
Believing the transaction to be genuine, the victim transferred E240 000 into an account belonging to the woman claiming ownership of the property.
However, after making the payment, the complainant allegedly encountered delays and excuses when requesting the sale documentation. Police said the promised documents never materialised and the victim eventually realised he had been deceived.
The alleged fraudsters reportedly refunded only a portion of the money after the victim threatened to involve law enforcement authorities. He subsequently opened a criminal case with Lobamba Police, and investigations are continuing.
In the wake of the incident, ESWARA said the case demonstrated the pressing need for a legal and regulatory framework governing real estate practitioners in Eswatini.
“The Eswatini Realtors Association reiterates its call for the urgent regulation of the real estate industry in Eswatini,” the organisation said in a statement.
ESWARA noted that recent developments continued to expose gaps within the sector and highlighted the risks faced by members of the public when dealing with unregulated property transactions.
The association said buying, selling and leasing property often involved substantial financial commitments and that consumers deserved assurance that they were dealing with qualified, ethical and accountable professionals.
According to ESWARA, regulation would play a critical role in protecting consumers and improving confidence in the property market.
The association argued that a comprehensive regulatory framework would help eliminate unscrupulous operators who exploit members of the public while presenting themselves as legitimate agents.
“Regulation will help eliminate unscrupulous operators, strengthen consumer confidence, improve industry standards, and create a fair and transparent property market for all stakeholders,” the statement read.
ESWARA further stated that regulation would enhance professionalism within the sector by ensuring practitioners adhere to recognised standards of conduct and accountability.
The organisation said it remained committed to working with government and other stakeholders to ensure the development of legislation capable of creating a credible and well-regulated industry.
“ESWARA remains committed to working closely with Government, the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development, and all relevant stakeholders to ensure that the proposed Real Estate legislation delivers a professional, credible, and well-regulated industry that serves the best interests of the Kingdom of Eswatini,” the association said.
The association maintained that regulation would not only protect consumers but also support ethical practitioners and strengthen investor confidence in the country’s property market.
Meanwhile, police have urged members of the public to exercise caution when purchasing property, particularly where transactions originate from social media advertisements.
The Royal Eswatini Police Service (REPS) advised prospective buyers to verify ownership details and property information through trusted sources, including local authorities, municipalities, town boards and other reliable institutions before making payments.
Authorities warned that fraudsters often use sophisticated methods to create the appearance of legitimate property transactions, including staging property viewings and presenting accomplices as owners or competing buyers.
The latest case has once again placed the spotlight on longstanding concerns about the absence of formal regulation in the real estate sector, with industry stakeholders arguing that stronger oversight could help prevent similar incidents and provide greater protection for consumers navigating one of the most significant financial decisions of their lives.
Police investigations into the alleged scam remain ongoing.
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