In a major step to improve housing services, the Ministry of Housing has launched Fiji’s first digital portal for the First Home Ownership Initiative, making it easier, faster, and more convenient for people in Fiji to apply for first-home assistance.
Speaking at the launch, Minister for Housing and Local Government, Maciu Nalumisa says that the launch of the portal will simplify and streamline the application process for the First Home Ownership Grant.
He says that most applications received by the Ministry — whether from banks, individuals, or institutions — had until now been processed manually, resulting in delays and bottlenecks.
He adds that the shift to digital will make the process faster and easier, cutting processing time by 80 percent and reducing the wait to around 10 working days.
The Minister says that since the programme’s inception in 2014, more than 3,500 households have benefited from the initiative, receiving support to either purchase or construct their first home.
He adds that eligibility for the grant extends to Fijians earning below $15,000, as well as those earning between $50,000 and $100,000.
Nalumisa says the Ministry has received a substantial budget allocation of over $3 million for the First Home Ownership Grant in the 2025/2026 financial year.
He notes that they are expecting many more applications this year, and that the Housing Authority is currently constructing more than 200 homes and selling lots from five projects that had stalled in recent years.
Nalumisa also acknowledged the Australian Government for its critical support of the project through the Institutional Vuvale Partnership Programme, saying that their support has been instrumental in bringing this innovation to life.
