A guide on buying real estate in Fiji

Fiji has come up to be one of the most sought after destinations for real estate investments in the recent years. Given this fact, there has been a steep rise in prices in the last four years. For people looking for investment in real estate, there are two options – buy houses or villas or invest in freehold property.

Yes, there are freehold properties in this beautiful island which one can buy. Almost 10% of all land in Fiji is freehold, but most of such land is available in Vanua Levu and towards the North of the island. As it is known to all, Britishers have ruled Fiji for about 96 years. When they were in rule, they created large areas of freehold land to attract farmers from Europe to farm there. A greater part of such freehold land were located in Taveuni and Vanua Levu. Even today, the majority of available freehold land in Fiji are in these areas only.

Most of these areas are now available for sale and they are actually selling faster. It is also important to note that residential areas gradually built around these localities and all basic facilities like electricity and water are gradually being made available. It all adds up the value of Fiji real estate.

In addition to freehold land, one can find property for sale in Fiji. Someone looking to buy a house or villa just for the sake of investment or with an aim of having second home to spend holidays in or spend time after retirement, options are varied.

The best way to start researching Fiji property sales is to take services for a local real estate agency or agent. Yes, given the popularity one may come across real estate agents from outside the island. But it’s always advisable to get in touch with local and reputed agents or agencies only.

If it’s freehold land that attracts you more, you must check for its proximity to town. Make sure the land you are eyeing is not very far from town. If it’s far from town, even the basic utilities may not be available and it may take years for them to be available. However, if you are not planning to have use your land in the near future, it’s fine. Else, you must find a freehold closer to the town.

If the property is far away from town, it will be really difficult to commute to airport, shopping destinations etc. Not to forget, the areas which are far from the main residential towns have poor roads and transportation facilities. Thus, it can be a difficult task going for shopping or stepping out for any other similar purposes.

It won’t be much difficult to analyse these things. But it’s better if one is ready with this checklist beforehand. You can ask your real estate agency to suggest your properties based these only.