If you’re building in Zambia while living far away — whether it’s across the country or abroad — hiring a caretaker might seem like the perfect solution. After all, they guard your property, keep an eye on building materials, and provide a presence on-site. But what happens when the person protecting your property becomes the biggest threat to it?
At Diaspora Connect, we’ve heard countless stories — and today, we’re sharing some real-life experiences that expose the darker side of relying on caretakers during your building project.
1. From Bricklayer to Landlord (Without Permission!)
One property owner discovered their house had been taken over by families invited by the bricklayer — not even the designated caretaker. Despite clear instructions to vacate, some refused to leave. One man had tiles that “were being stored” in the owner’s house. Makes you wonder why he would store tiles away from a house he’s tiling. Weren’t those just stolen tiles?? Unfortunately, it’s more common than you think.
2. Surprise Visits, Shocking Discoveries
Another diaspora homeowner was thrilled with their caretaker’s regular photo updates — until a surprise visit revealed a very different story. Dirty dishes, greasy stovetops, and personal items scattered around the house — all without permission. The caretaker had turned the property into his personal home despite having his own house with electricity, a 2 plate cooker and a fridge on the plot!
3. Renting Out Your Property Behind Your Back
A recurring complaint is caretakers subletting rooms or even entire structures to unsuspecting tenants — making money off your property while you foot the bill. In some cases, they even demand large payouts to vacate when you’re ready to move in!
4. Unauthorized Occupants and Squatter Fears
Some caretakers leave — and leave behind other families. In one case, a new family was found living in the house without the owner’s consent. In another instance it was discovered that the caretaker was a political cadre who went so far as to claim ownership of the plot.
So, What Can You Do Instead?
We’re not saying all caretakers are bad — but we are saying you need to be smart and cautious.
Here are some lessons learned from those who’ve learned the hard way:
- Always have a signed agreement(even something simple with rent as low as K20/month) to formalize the arrangement and protect yourself legally.
- Never rely solely on updates from the caretaker— send friends, family, or trusted professionals for surprise visits.
- Avoid giving full access to your houseunless it’s properly secured and monitored.
- Use property management professionals or security firmsto reduce your exposure to these risks.
Our Take at Diaspora Connect
Instead of risking your hard-earned investment, consider building smarter from the beginning. We offer secure property solutions — from serviced plots to grey-structure homes — that come with lockable doors, windows, and external finishes, so you don’t have to rely on caretakers to keep your site safe.
Ready to build smarter and safer? Get in touch to learn more about our available properties and home-building support.
No comment