Real Estate in Fiji – A Full Guide
Fiji’s real estate market is a growing sector, offering investment, residential, and tourism development opportunities. The market varies greatly between urban cities, rural villages, and island resorts.
1. Types of Real Estate
| Property Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Residential Homes | Bungalows, modern villas, apartments, and rural homes |
| Vacation Properties | Beachfront homes, eco-lodges, resorts, and timeshares |
| Commercial Properties | Shops, hotels, office buildings, and warehouses |
| Agricultural Land | Sugarcane farms, kava plantations, coconut estates |
2. Popular Real Estate Locations
| Area | Known For |
|---|---|
| Suva | Capital city; urban housing & offices |
| Nadi | Tourist hotspot; villas, resorts, airport access |
| Lautoka | Port city; commercial and industrial spaces |
| Denarau Island | Luxury resorts, gated communities |
| Coral Coast | Beachfront homes, eco-tourism |
| Taveuni/Savusavu | Secluded island homes & retirement properties |
3. Land Ownership Rules
Fiji has three types of land:
| Type of Land | Who Owns It? | Can Foreigners Buy? |
|---|---|---|
| Native Land (87%) | Indigenous iTaukei clans | No (only lease) |
| State Land (8%) | Government | No (only lease) |
| Freehold Land (5%) | Private ownership | Yes (can buy & sell) |
Foreigners can only purchase Freehold Land or lease Native/State Land (up to 99 years).
4. Rules for Foreign Buyers
- Must obtain:
- Consent from Ministry of Lands (for leasehold)
- Approval from Reserve Bank of Fiji (for property purchases over FJD 500,000)
- Foreigners cannot buy residential land in municipal towns unless building a hotel or resort.
- Construction must start within 2 years of purchase on vacant land (to avoid speculation).
5. Price Range (2025 estimates)
| Property Type | Price Range (FJD) |
|---|---|
| Urban home (Suva/Nadi) | $300,000 – $1.5 million |
| Beachfront villa | $1 million – $5 million |
| Rural home | $80,000 – $250,000 |
| Freehold land (per acre) | $50,000 – $200,000+ |
6. Real Estate Financing
- Local banks (like BSP, ANZ, HFC) offer mortgages to locals.
- Foreigners may need to pay in full or arrange financing overseas.
- Real estate agents and lawyers are required for due diligence and contracts.
7. Real Estate Agencies in Fiji
Some popular firms include:
- Bayleys Real Estate
- Professionals Fiji
- RE/MAX Fiji
- LJ Hooker Fiji
- Harcourts Fiji
8. Challenges
- Navigating lease agreements on Native land
- Cyclone risk in coastal areas
- Legal processing time can be slow
- Foreign ownership restrictions in protected zones
