Buying Land in Fiji

Buying Land in Fiji

The Fiji Islands are self-governing and approximately 9% of the land is fee simple or freehold (available for purchase). In recent years, several old Plantations have been subdivided offering beautiful pieces of property at reasonable prices. In most instances, the acreage is in rural areas, predominately in areas of lush foliage, palm trees and low lying rolling hills. Of course, there are pieces (mostly large) of ocean/beach front property that are available for substantially more money.
The most important thing to remember as you look at property in Fiji is to work with reputable sources, consult with local barristers (Attorneys) to verify the legal titles on your prospective purchase and visit the property before you purchase.

All of the properties sold on Fiji Waterfront Villas and Beachfront Properties in Pacific Harbour, Fiji are freehold

There are three types of land in Fiji:

Native Trust Land

The Native Trust Land is controlled by a governing board of the same name that was created in Fiji during 1940 as a part of the Native Land Trust Act. When Fiji was under British rule, land problems arose as those migrating into Fiji from other areas attempted to swindle land away from the native Fijian people.

After many trial programs attempting to be fair to everybody involved, it was decided that the native people of Fiji would own the land in unison through the government, and that land leases would be used to regulate land-use rights to homeowners, commercial property businesses, and to agriculture establishments.

Native Trust Land cannot be purchased for any reason and while industry and tourists are encouraged to lease holdings through the Native Trust Land Board regional offices in Suva, Lautoka, and Labasa, many hesitate to lease land for development because there are no guarantees that the land-lease will be renewed when necessary.

Crown Land

The Crown Land is the government's land that is used for official business. This land is not available for sale and only leased under very rare or special circumstances.

Freehold Land

The Freehold Land parcels were originally arranged to entice European farmers into settling on the islands while Fiji was under British rule. Today in Fiji there are Freehold Land parcels available for
sale in all sizes and price ranges. The majority of this property is located on the second largest island of Vanua Levu, and occasionally offered in other areas as well.

When deciding to purchase Freehold Land, it is necessary for an attorney to examine the Freehold Title with care. This act is not required by law, but rather required as a safety measure to insure that the Title does not have any caveats, mortgages, or legal problems of any kind in the future.