The Ministry of Housing has issued a strong warning to prospective home buyers to be extremely cautious when considering properties in informal settlements in Fiji. In a recent statement, the Ministry highlighted that while these areas may present more affordable housing options, they often lack vital infrastructure and legal safeguards, posing serious risks of eviction and development issues.
Informal settlements in Fiji are generally situated on land that is not formally owned or leased, rendering any property transactions precarious. The Ministry noted that residents in these settlements could face eviction without prior notice, placing them at risk of significant financial losses and displacement.
Moreover, these areas frequently lack access to basic services such as electricity, water, and sanitation, which can adversely affect residents’ quality of life and health.
There have been multiple reports of unsuspecting buyers who have invested large amounts of money in properties within these communities, only to later find themselves without ownership and facing eviction. One case shared by the Ministry involved an individual who purchased a home in an informal settlement for $10,000 cash. Despite the full payment, the buyer received no official ownership documentation, and the original landowner has since returned, claiming ignorance of the sale and demanding that the buyer leave the property.
The Ministry strongly recommends that potential home buyers focus on properties in established and legally recognized neighborhoods, which provide enhanced security, stability, and access to essential services.