Housing gets high interest
By RACHNA LAL and
Shashi Lata (left), of Housing Authority shows Susen Rafai what could be the site of her future home in Tacirua East Stage 2B in Suva. She is accompanied by her mother, Isapeti Rafai and sister, Tehillah Rafai. Photo: RONALD KUMAR
ELLEN STOLZ
High interest has been shown by people over the last two days during the Housing Authority’s open site exhibition to view residential lots at Tacirua East Stage 2B, in Suva.
Housing Authority spokesperson, Dwain Qalovaki, said they had over 200 families who came to view the 81 high-end residential lots.
Banks representatives from ANZ, Home Finance Company (HFC) Limited and BSP had also set up booths to give advice on net buildable area for each lot and potential for single or double storey homes.
Mr Qalovaki said the main purpose of the open site was to allow potential lot buyers to see the property and ask questions and consult the banks for loan options at the same time.
He said it was interesting to note the high interest shown mainly from young professionals who seemed to want to start up their own family.
Mr Qalovaki said there was also interest from people living overseas who wanted to buy land for their children in Fiji.
“Our target for these lots is young professional couples, executives and we have got expressions of interest from people from around the region as well as Fijian citizens in the British Army and internationally,” he said.
All lots will be sold through written expression of interest to Housing Authority and Mr Qalovaki said the closing date for tenders is July 11.
“Interested candidates will need to pay a $500 refundable tender deposit which will be refunded if their tender is not successful,” he said.
BSP head of marketing, Nirdesh Singh, said: “BSP realises that strategic partnerships such as these are necessary to facilitate national growth by improving the lives of all Fijians, including the marginalised.”
Mr Singh has urged customers to take time to consult a BSP personal banking officer before making that final decision to take up a home loan.
“While BSP endeavours to deliver competitive rates, the actual journey towards settling a home loan is one that is demanding and sometimes a real test of the soul,” he said.
Mr Qalovaki said there were also plans to provide affordable housing options to cater for all categories of home owners in the Central Division.
Upon completion, 1121 lots will be developed by Housing Authority as part of the Tacirua East development project.
Mr Qalovaki said these 81 lots were only seven per cent of what more is yet to come into the market.
“We will release another 200 more lots in the last quarter of this year,” he said.
The China Railway First Group has been given the contract for the sub-division of Tacirua East.
The financing of this project has been possible through a private-public partnership between Fiji and China through the Exim Bank of China.
$50 million has been allocated for this project together with Nepani Stage 2 sub-division now under development.
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