Land Ownership & Real Estate in Fiji

Some people view land ownership in Fiji as being complicated. Nothing could be further from the truth. It is really quite simple. You can either buy or lease land. Either way, if you are interested in having your own Piece of Paradise talk to a Professional Realtor. They are readily available to you on, or from, Denarau. 

Land ownership in Fiji falls into three categories, iTaukei or Native land, Crown land, and freehold land. Freehold land may be bought and sold while Crown and iTaukei land may only be leased. Ninety percent of Fiji’s land is owned by the iTaukei landowners, four percent is owned by the Crown, and six percent is freehold.

Fiji became a British Colony in 1874 following a Deed of Cession proposed and signed by most of the leading chiefs who requested Britain to annex the islands.

Although the Deed of Cession which established British Sovereignty provided that all native lands became vested in the Crown, no steps were ever taken to put this into effect and the lands remained in the possession of their hereditary owners.

Some years later the British administration considered other options but it was decided not to go back on a custom which had become part of the native policy. This recognised the right of the iTaukei proprietors to the use of their lands for as long as the clan was in existence. If the clan went out of existence the land reverted to the crown.

Land could not be sold without permission of the government but the leasing of it was encouraged. This policy was put into effect to guard the people against their own improvidence, as prior to cession they had alienated much of their property and it was felt, in time would have sold it all.

It was clearly understood and acknowledged that they held their lands by the grace of the British Sovereign to whom they had ceded their domains and in acknowledgment they paid homage and fealty annually by the presentation of the first fruits cultivated on their lands. Fiji became independent in 1970. Government policy regarding land has remained virtually unchanged post-independence with the guiding principle, that iTaukeiland is not to be alienated, firmly enshrined in Fiji’s Constitution. The ownership of land on Denarau reflects the different types of land ownership in Fiji. Of the eight hundred and fifty-odd acres that comprise Denarau Island approximately six hundred acres are Crown land, a hundred and fifty iTaukei land, and eighty-seven freehold. The hotels and resorts are mainly located on land leased from its iTaukei owners. Meaning that as Denarau has developed and become such a magnificent destination its landowners have increasingly benefited.

If you are interested in buying or renting property or land in Fiji you need to go through a licensed Real Estate company.Professionals Fiji Real Estate has an office at The Port Denarau Retail & Commercial Centre and so it is very easy to go to the Port and pop in and check them out.

Another highly reputable real estate agent is Bayleys Real Estate who have an office conveniently located on Narewa, or Denarau Road.