Cabinet has endorsed key amendments to the First Home Ownership Initiative Policy, introducing a 10-year caveat on the sale of properties purchased through the grant, effective from 1 August 2025.
The caveat will legally restrict beneficiaries from selling their homes within the first decade of ownership, a move government says is aimed at preventing speculation and ensuring the scheme benefits genuine first-home buyers rather than short-term investors.
Alongside the amendment, the government, through the Housing Authority, is inviting eligible first-home buyers with a household income of $50,000 or less to apply for affordable, sustainable and climate-resilient housing.
Successful applicants will be offered two-bedroom homes in designated developments at Nepani, Tacirua and Davuilevu in the Central Division, and Tavakubu Phase 2 in the Western Division.
Cabinet also approved the establishment of the First Home Grant Assistance Category 1 Tier 1 Programme, which will provide additional support to low-income families evicted from the Veidogo, Nabua Muslim League and Kilikali informal settlements who qualify for Housing Authority loans.
The programme will be jointly administered by the Ministry of Housing and the Housing Authority, with the possibility of being extended to other eligible settlements in the future.
Government says the introduction of the caveat strengthens safeguards around public housing assistance while reinforcing its commitment to long-term home ownership for low-income Fijian families.
