The Ministry of Housing in Fiji is urging potential home buyers to be extremely cautious when considering properties in informal settlements. The Ministry highlights that, while these areas may present lower-cost housing options, they often lack vital infrastructure and legal protections, posing significant risks of eviction and development issues.
According to the statement, properties in informal settlements are generally constructed on land that is not legally owned or leased, leading to instability in any property transaction. Residents in these areas may face sudden eviction without notice, which can result in considerable financial loss and displacement.
Moreover, these settlements frequently lack access to essential services such as electricity, water, and sanitation, which can adversely affect residents’ quality of life and health. There have been numerous reports of unsuspecting buyers who have invested significant amounts in these properties only to find themselves denied ownership and evicted later.
The Ministry cited a specific case involving a buyer who acquired a home in an informal settlement for $10,000 in cash. Despite the full payment, the buyer did not receive any formal ownership documents, and the original landowner has now returned, claiming no knowledge of the sale and demanding that the buyer leave the property.
The Ministry strongly recommends that potential buyers focus on properties in established, legally recognized neighborhoods, as these offer enhanced security, stability, and access to essential services.