The Ministry of Housing in Fiji is advising potential home buyers to be extremely cautious when considering properties in informal settlements. The Ministry highlighted that while these areas may present lower-cost housing options, they often lack vital infrastructure, legal protections, and pose significant risks of eviction and development.
Informal settlements typically exist on land that is not legally owned or leased, rendering property transactions highly precarious. Residents may face eviction at any moment without prior notice, which can lead to considerable financial loss and displacement.
Moreover, these settlements frequently lack access to fundamental services such as electricity, water, and sanitation, adversely affecting residents’ quality of life and health.
There have been multiple reports of unsuspecting buyers who have paid large sums for properties in these areas, only to find themselves denied ownership and facing eviction. One notable case involved a buyer who purchased a home in an informal settlement for $10,000 in cash. Despite paying the full amount upfront, they received no formal ownership documentation. To their shock, the original landowner later reappeared, claiming ignorance of the sale and demanding that the buyer vacate the property.
The Ministry strongly recommends that prospective home buyers seek properties in established, legally recognized neighborhoods, which provide better security, stability, and access to essential services.