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 present lower-cost housing options, they typically lack crucial infrastructure, legal safeguards, and are prone to risks of eviction and unauthorized development.
The Ministry pointed out that these informal settlements are often situated on land that is neither legally owned nor leased, making property transactions in these areas exceedingly precarious. Residents may face eviction without any prior notice, which exposes them to potential financial losses and displacement.
Moreover, these settlements frequently do not have access to fundamental utilities such as electricity, water, and sanitation, significantly affecting residents’ quality of life and health.
There have been multiple reports of unwitting home buyers who have invested large amounts of money in properties within these settlements, only to later find themselves denied ownership and facing eviction. An example cited by the Ministry involves an individual who recently bought a home in an informal settlement for $10,000 cash. Despite the cash transaction, this person did not receive any official proof of ownership and, much to their dismay, the original landowner reappeared, disavowing the sale and demanding that the buyer vacate the premises.
The Ministry strongly recommends that potential home buyers focus on properties in established, legally recognized neighborhoods, which provide enhanced security, stability, and access to necessary services.