The Ministry of Housing in Fiji is cautioning citizens against buying properties in informal settlements across the nation. This warning follows an alarming incident in which a buyer lost $10,000 in a cash deal for a home that had no formal ownership documentation.
The ministry expressed concern that the actual landowner has reappeared, denying any knowledge of the transaction and demanding the buyer vacate the property. In a statement released yesterday, the ministry urged prospective homebuyers to be extremely cautious when considering properties in informal settlements.
“While these areas might provide lower-cost housing options, they often lack essential infrastructure and legal protections, and they pose significant risks of eviction and development,” the ministry stated. “Informal settlements in Fiji are usually situated on land that is not legally owned or leased, rendering any property transaction highly unstable.”
Residents in these areas might face eviction at any moment without notice, putting them at risk of substantial financial losses and displacement. The ministry also highlighted that these settlements frequently lack access to basic services like electricity, water, and sanitation, which can adversely affect residents’ quality of life and health.
“Many reports have emerged of unwary homebuyers who have invested significant amounts of money in properties in these zones, only to find themselves denied ownership and facing eviction,” the ministry noted.
Therefore, the Ministry of Housing is strongly advising potential buyers to focus on properties located in established and legally recognized neighborhoods, as they provide better security, stability, and access to essential services.