The Ministry of Housing in Fiji is cautioning citizens against buying properties in informal settlements throughout the country. This warning follows a concerning case in which an individual lost $10,000 in a cash deal for a house that lacked proper ownership documentation.
The ministry expressed concern that the original landowner has resurfaced, claiming ignorance of the sale and demanding that the buyer vacate the property. In a statement issued recently, the ministry urged prospective homebuyers to be very cautious when considering properties in informal settlements, which may present lower-cost housing options but often lack essential infrastructure and legal protections.
The ministry pointed out that informal settlements in Fiji are generally built on land that is not legally owned or leased, resulting in highly unstable property transactions. Residents of these areas may face eviction at any time without warning, exposing them to significant financial losses and displacement.
Additionally, these settlements frequently lack access to fundamental services, including electricity, water, and sanitation, which can adversely affect residents’ quality of life and health.
The ministry highlighted numerous reports of homebuyers who, after paying considerable amounts for properties in informal settlements, were later denied ownership and faced eviction. As a result, they strongly advise potential buyers to focus on properties in established and legally recognized neighborhoods, which provide more security, stability, and access to essential services.