The Ministry of Housing has issued a warning to Fijians about buying properties from informal settlements throughout the country. This alert follows an alarming incident involving an individual who lost $10,000 in cash for a home that lacked formal ownership paperwork.
According to the ministry, the original landowner has come forward, denying any knowledge of the transaction and demanding that the buyer vacate the property. In a statement released yesterday, the ministry strongly advised prospective homebuyers to be extremely cautious when considering properties in informal settlements in Fiji.
“While these settlements may provide more affordable housing options, they often lack essential infrastructure and legal protections and pose significant risks of eviction and redevelopment,” the ministry stated. “Informal settlements in Fiji are generally situated on land that is not legally owned or leased, making any property purchase highly unstable.”
The ministry emphasized that residents in these areas may be evicted at any time without notice, which exposes them to considerable financial losses and displacement. Furthermore, these settlements often do not have access to basic services such as electricity, water, and sanitation, negatively affecting residents’ quality of life and health.
“Many reports have emerged of unsuspecting homebuyers who have invested large sums of money in properties within these informal areas, only to later be denied ownership and faced with eviction,” the ministry added.
To ensure greater security and stability, the ministry strongly recommends that potential buyers focus on properties located in established, legally recognized neighborhoods, which provide access to vital services.