The Ministry of Housing in Fiji is advising prospective home buyers to be extremely cautious when looking at properties in informal settlements. They highlighted that while these areas might present lower-priced housing options, they often lack vital infrastructure and legal protections, and pose heightened risks of eviction and other developments.
The Ministry emphasized that properties in informal settlements are generally situated on land that is not legally owned or leased, leading to unstable property transactions. Residents in these areas could face eviction at any time, potentially suffering considerable financial losses and displacement.
Furthermore, these settlements commonly lack essential services such as electricity, water, and sanitation, adversely affecting residents’ quality of life and health.
Numerous accounts have emerged of unaware buyers who paid significant amounts for these properties only to later find themselves denied ownership and facing eviction. One such case involved an individual who purchased a home in an informal settlement for $10,000 cash. Despite paying the full amount, they did not receive any official documentation of ownership. To their shock, the original landowner has now come forward, denying any knowledge of the sale and demanding that they vacate the premises.
The Ministry strongly urges prospective buyers to focus on properties in established and legally recognized neighborhoods, as they provide enhanced security, stability, and access to essential services.