WHEN the First Home Ownership Initiative was introduced in 2014, it arrived with a bold promise — to make home ownership achievable for ordinary Fijian families, especially those who had long been priced out of the housing market.
Ten years on, the initiative has grown into a cornerstone of Fiji’s housing support system, reaching thousands and providing millions of dollars in grants to first-time homebuyers.
Minister for Housing and Local Government Maciu Nalumisa said the program had lived up to its founding vision and continued to play a critical role in delivering secure, dignified housing for low and middle income households.
“The objective of the First Home Initiative is to enable home ownership for low to middle income earners, by making housing more affordable and accessible for Fijian families who would otherwise find it difficult to own a home,” he said.
“This aligns with Section 35 of the 2013 Constitution, which requires the State to take reasonable measures, within its available resources, to progressively realise every person’s right to accessible and adequate housing and sanitation.”
Who has benefited?
Since its inception, the initiative had supported 4467 families nationwide, with more than $55.8million invested across its components.
Mr Nalumisa said the distribution of assistance revealed a clear focus on those who needed it most.
Category 1: Reaching low-income families
Targeted households earning up to $50,000 annually.
To date:
-3195 families assisted
-More than $42.5million disbursed
-Represents 76 per cent of all program funding.
“The high level of support within this category demonstrates Government’s strong focus on assisting low-income earners to secure home ownership opportunities,” Mr Nalumisa said.
Category 2: Supporting the middle class
Supported households earning between $50,001 and $100,000 — many of whom struggled to buy homes in urban areas where property prices continued to climb.
-692 families assisted
-Over $7.7million disbursed
Mr Nalumisa said middle income earners also needed help, particularly in urban centres where land and housing were more expensive.
First land program: Securing tenure
Between 2018 and 2024:
-580 families were assisted
-$5.62million was invested
Mr Nalumisa said this program formed a key first step for many families planning to build gradually over time.
Has it improved affordability?
According to Mr Nalumisa, the answer was a confident yes. He said the initiative had lowered the financial barriers first-time buyers typically faced.
“The upfront grant assistance provided under the initiative has effectively reduced the financial burden of securing a first home or purchasing residential land.
“This has enabled eligible Fijians to meet deposit requirements, access home loans more easily, and built or purchase homes sooner than they otherwise could have.”
He said for many recipients, the grant had allowed them to transition out of rental accommodation, informal settlements, or overcrowded households.
The initiative had also stimulated stronger engagement from the banking sector.
Is the initiative reaching the right people?
Data suggested the program was well-targeted.
Mr Nalumisa said low-income and middle-income families were clearly the primary beneficiaries of the program.
“Yes, the program is reaching its intended demographic.
“Analysis of the funding distribution indicates that First Home Category 1, accounts for 76 per cent of the total funds disbursed.
“This demonstrates that the majority of assistance has been directed toward low-income households, confirming that the initiative is successfully targeting its core beneficiary group.”
He said the First Land program also played an important role in assisting families not yet ready to build but eager to secure tenure.
Eligibility: Who can apply?
Mr Nalumisa said eligibility requirements had remained simple and consistent to ensure easy access:
-Applicant must be a Fiji citizen
-Must be 18 years or older
-Must have a combined household income of $100,000 or below
-Must be a first-time homebuyer
He said applications were submitted through participating financial institutions, verified by the Ministry’s Grants Unit, approved by the permanent secretary, and the grant was then paid directly to the bank.
Budget allocation for 2025–2026
The Government has allocated $3.5million for this financial year:
-$2million for Category 1
-$1.5million for Category 2
Mr Nalumisa said the Ministry continued to process applications on a first come, first serve basis, subject to budget availability.
“This allocation strategy ensures the sustainability of the program while maintaining targeted support for those most in need of housing assistance.”
Strong co-ordination with key stakeholders
The ministry coordinates closely with the Ministry of Finance, commercial banks and the Fiji National Provident Fund (FNPF) to ensure the effective and timely implementation of the First Home Ownership Initiative.
Mr Naumisa said in liaison with the Ministry of Finance, the ministry ensured that all budget submissions and funding requests were prepared and submitted in accordance with the Finance Management Act, the national budget timeline and requirements.
“This co-ordination enables the timely disbursement of grant funds and ensures that budget allocations align with the projected number of beneficiaries under each category of the initiative.
“At the start of each financial year, the ministry conducts consultation sessions with financial partners administering the initiative.
“These include the Commercial Financial Institutions – Westpac, BSP, ANZ, BRED Bank, Bank of Baroda, HFC Bank, and the Housing Authority. Beginning in the 2025–2026 financial year, consultations have also been expanded to include the Fiji Development Bank (FDB) and Merchant Finance to broaden access to financing options for applicants.”
A message to aspiring homeowners
Mr Nalumisa encouraged eligible families — especially young couples and new parents — to consider applying for the grant.
“Through this initiative, the ministry reaffirms its unwavering commitment to ensuring that every Fijian has the opportunity to own a safe, secure, and resilient home.
“In partnership with financial institutions, developers, and communities, the program seeks to foster inclusive and sustainable neighbourhood that enhances social well-being and drive economic growth.
“I, therefore, encourage all eligible Fijians — especially young families — to take advantage of the First Home Ownership Initiative Grant Assistance, where improved living standards pave the way for a better quality of life and a future in which our children can dream freely and thrive in a resilient Fiji,” Mr Nalumisa said.
