How to Buy Real Estate on Fiji

Fiji is an island-nation of more than 300 islands in the South Pacific Ocean. It has a reputation for pristine beaches and large tracts of lush land, which make it a desirable place to buy real estate. While Fiji's culture and geography are relaxed and tropical, political and legal considerations make buying property in Fiji a little tricky. Follow these steps to navigate the Fiji islands real estate market.

Difficulty:

Moderate

Instructions

1. Learn about Fiji's real estate landscape, which involves complex market factors and regulations. Only 9% of Fiji's real estate is open to freehold purchase, so scope out locations you're interested in to see if they're available before you buy.

2. Weed through local realtors. Recent years have seen a huge jump in the number of practicing real estate agents on accounts of the ease of entering the market. Because of this, there are a number of inexperienced and sometimes ill-intentioned agents on the market. Look for a real estate agent who has lots of experience in the market and can provide quality references.

3. Consider the purpose of your property. Fiji has seen strong growth rates of tourism over the past few years and signs are that this growth will continue. If you are buying property for island seclusion, you should look to one of the less populated island groups. If you're looking to cash in on tourism, search for property on Viti Levu and Vanua Levu, the islands' population and commercial centers.

4. Think about whether freehold or leasehold lots are best for you. Each kind of property acquisition comes with different conditions and regulations. Speak with your realtor about your specific property needs to determine which kind of property is best for you.

5. Visit the islands. While Fiji is a well-understood property market, there are more than 300 islands to choose from. It's wise to visit the islands to make sure that a "dream property" doesn't turn out to be a wave-battered atoll or something worse.