31 FAMILIES RECEIVE KEYS TO NEW NEPANI MODEL HOMES

Suva, Fiji – 21 July 2026

Thirty-one Fijian families have officially received the keys to their new homes at the Housing Authority of Fiji’s Nepani Subdivision in Nasinu, marking a significant milestone in the Government’s efforts to expand access to affordable and quality homeownership.

The keys were handed over by the Prime Minister and Minister for Civil Service, Strategic Planning, National Development and Statistics, Honourable Sitiveni Ligamamada Rabuka, during a ceremony held at the Nepani Subdivision on Tuesday, 21 July.

The 31 families are among the first recipients of the newly completed Nepani Model Homes, which form part of the Housing Authority’s broader programme to increase the supply of affordable homes for Fijian families.

Speaking at the handover ceremony, Prime Minister Rabuka said the occasion represented more than the provision of houses, but the creation of security, stability and dignity for Fijian families.

“Today is especially significant for the recipient families. These keys represent not only access to a house. They represent security, stability, dignity and the beginning of a new chapter,” he said.

The Prime Minister also highlighted the Government’s commitment to increasing access to safe, adequate and affordable housing, as reflected in Fiji’s National Development Plan 2025–2029 and the National Housing Policy 2025–2030, which prioritise affordable homeownership, inclusive development and resilient communities.

Government increases support for first-home ownership

A key feature of the Government’s commitment to homeownership is the revised First Home Ownership Grant Assistance Programme, which provides targeted financial assistance to low- and middle-income households.

Under the revised arrangements:

• Category 1: Households with a combined annual income of $30,000 or less are eligible for a $30,000 grant to purchase their first home or $40,000 to construct their first home.

• Category 2: Households with a combined annual income between $30,001 and $60,000are eligible for a $15,000 grant to purchase their first home or $20,000 to constructtheir first home.

Government has allocated $3 million for the 2026–2027 financial year towards the First Home Ownership Grant Assistance Programme.

The support is aimed at reducing the financial barriers faced by families seeking to transition from renting or insecure housing into homeownership.

Of the 31 families receiving their keys at Nepani, 28 families, or approximately 90 per cent, are Category 1 grant recipients, while the remaining three families, approximately 10 per cent, are Category 2 recipients.

This demonstrates the reach of Government’s housing assistance towards families in the low- and middle-income categories.

Housing Authority returns to home construction

The completion of the Nepani Model Homes also marks an important milestone for the Housing Authority of Fiji, which has returned to the construction of homes after a lapse of more than 30 years.

A total of 101 model homes have been completed at Nepani, forming part of a wider programme to increase the availability of affordable and resilient housing.

The homes have been constructed using modern building technology and termite-resistant materials and are located within a planned subdivision supported by essential infrastructure, including roads, water, electricity, sewerage and telecommunications services.

Housing Authority Chief Executive Officer Isikeli Navuda said the Nepani development demonstrates the Authority’s renewed focus on delivering practical homeownership opportunities for Fijian families.

“Homeownership is at the heart of what we do at the Housing Authority. The completion and handover of these homes is an important step in providing families with not only a house, but a safe, secure and sustainable place to build their futures,” Mr Navuda said.

He acknowledged the recipient families for their patience and commitment throughout the process and thanked the Government, project partners, contractors, financial institutions and other stakeholders whose contributions supported the delivery of the development.

More homes and lots planned across Fiji

The Nepani development is part of a much larger programme of housing developments being progressed by the Housing Authority.

The programme includes:

• 50 model homes completed at Davuilevu;

• 24 model homes nearing completion at Tavakubu, Lautoka;

• 61 model homes planned for Tacirua; and

• Further housing developments planned for Veikoba, Davuilevu, Nepani, Tavakubuand Waila.

The Housing Authority is expected to construct approximately 700 additional homes over the next 12 months, while planning to develop approximately 5,800 residential lots by 2031.

These developments are intended to create further opportunities for Fijians to secure affordable land and housing and contribute to the development of safe, inclusive and sustainable communities.

The Housing Authority recognises that addressing Fiji’s housing needs requires collaboration across Government and with the private sector, financial institutions, landowners, development partners and communities.

The handover at Nepani represents a significant step in that collective effort. For the 31 families receiving their keys, the occasion marks the beginning of a new chapter — one built around the security and dignity of owning a home.

The Housing Authority congratulates all 31 families and wishes them every success as they establish their homes and contribute to a strong, peaceful and resilient Nepani community.