The Ministry of Housing is advising prospective home buyers to be extremely cautious when considering properties in informal settlements in Fiji.
In a recent statement, the Ministry emphasized that while these settlements may present more affordable housing options, they often lack necessary infrastructure and legal safeguards. Additionally, buyers face considerable risks of eviction and development issues.
“Informal settlements in Fiji are usually situated on land that is not legally owned or leased, making any real estate transaction highly precarious,” the Ministry noted.
Residents of such areas may be evicted at any moment without warning, which leaves them exposed to significant financial losses and displacement. Furthermore, these settlements frequently lack fundamental services like electricity, water, and sanitation, which can seriously affect both living conditions and health.
There have been multiple reports of unsuspecting buyers who invested large sums of money in properties in these informal areas, only to be later denied ownership and evicted.
One reported case highlights Person A, who bought a house in an informal settlement for $10,000 in cash. Despite paying the full amount upfront, Person A did not receive any official documentation of ownership. Later, the original landowner reappeared, denying any knowledge of the sale and demanding that Person A vacate the property.
The Ministry strongly advises potential buyers to focus on homes in established, legally recognized neighborhoods, as these options provide more security, stability, and access to essential services.