The Ministry of Housing in Fiji is advising potential home buyers to be extremely cautious when considering properties in informal settlements. In an official statement, the Ministry highlighted that while these settlements may provide cheaper housing options, they frequently lack crucial infrastructure and legal protections, and there is a significant risk of eviction.
According to the Ministry, properties in these areas are usually situated on land that is not legally owned or leased, resulting in unstable property transactions. Residents living in these settlements are at risk of eviction without prior notice, which can lead to major financial losses and displacement.
Moreover, many informal settlements do not have access to basic services such as water, electricity, and sanitation, which can adversely affect residents’ quality of life and health. The Ministry has noted several instances where unsuspecting buyers have invested large amounts of money in these properties, only to find themselves facing eviction and denied ownership rights.
One reported case involves an individual who purchased a home in an informal settlement for $10,000 in cash. Although the buyer paid the full amount, they did not receive any official ownership documentation and later discovered that the original landowner denied any knowledge of the transaction and demanded the buyer vacate the premises.
The Ministry strongly recommends that potential home buyers focus on properties in established, legally recognized neighborhoods, which provide better security, stability, and access to necessary services.