The Ministry of Housing in Fiji is urging prospective home buyers to be extremely cautious when considering properties in informal settlements. The Ministry points out that while these areas may provide more affordable housing options, they frequently lack necessary infrastructure, legal protections, and are at high risk of eviction and development.
“Informal settlements in Fiji are generally situated on land that is not legally owned or leased, making any property transaction extremely precarious,” the Ministry noted.
Residents of these settlements could face evictions at any time without warning, resulting in substantial financial losses and displacement. Moreover, these areas often suffer from a lack of access to basic services such as electricity, water, and sanitation, which can severely affect residents’ quality of life and health.
There have been multiple reports of unsuspecting buyers who have invested significant amounts of money in properties within these settlements, only to later find themselves denied ownership and facing eviction.
One such case involves an individual who bought a property in an informal settlement for $10,000 in cash. Although the full payment was made upfront, the buyer did not receive any formal proof of ownership. Subsequently, the original landowner reappeared, disavowing any knowledge of the sale and demanding that the buyer vacate the premises.
The Ministry strongly recommends that potential home buyers focus on properties in established, legally recognized neighborhoods that provide greater security, stability, and essential services.