Government First Home Ownership Grant – Fiji
A practical guide to the First Home Ownership Initiative – how the grant works, who qualifies, who doesn’t, how to apply through your bank or financial institution, and what documents you need ready so nothing slows down your approval.
This guide is based on the official Ministry of Housing information for the First Home Purchase Programme and First Land Purchase Programme. Always confirm final details with your lender and the Ministry.
The grant is normally treated as part of your equity and is paid to your bank or financial institution, not directly into your account.
Full details, updates and related grants on the Ministry of Housing site.
🌐 Open housing.gov.fjUsed by banks / FIs when they lodge your grant request.
📄 Download Application Form (PDF)Declaration confirming your income, first-home status and related details.
🖊️ Download Declaration Form (PDF)1. Who Qualifies – and Who Doesn’t
There are two core programmes: the First Home Purchase Programme and the First Land Purchase Programme, both targeted at low to middle-income Fijian households.
You may apply for the First Home Purchase Programme if:
- Your total household income is $100,000 or less.
- You are a Fiji citizen.
- You are 18 years or older.
- You have never previously purchased or owned a home in Fiji (including a house or residential lease in your name).
You must also have eligible land documents (registered lease or certificate of title) and be purchasing/constructing an owner-occupied first home – not an investment property.
Current structure (subject to budget and policy changes):
-
Household income < $50,000:
- $15,000 grant – to build your first home.
- $10,000 grant – to purchase your first home.
-
Household income $50,000 – $100,000:
- $10,000 grant – to build your first home.
- $5,000 grant – to purchase your first home.
Always confirm the latest grant amounts and budget allocation with your bank or the Ministry before relying on the grant in any contract.
The First Land Purchase Programme supports first-time buyers to purchase residential land for future construction via iTLTB or the Ministry of Lands.
- Annual household income generally below $50,000.
- Maximum grant: up to $10,000 per household for residential land.
- You must not have previously held a residential lease or land in Fiji.
- Applications go through your bank, Housing Authority, iTLTB or Ministry of Lands.
You are generally not eligible if any of the following apply:
- You are not a Fiji citizen.
- You are under 18 years old.
- You have already purchased or owned a home or residential lease in Fiji in your name.
- Your household income is above $100,000 per year (for the purchase programme).
- Your land documents are not recognised – for example, only: Tenancy at Will Agreement for Lease Vakavanua Land Arrangement which are explicitly excluded from qualifying.
- The property is clearly an investment property rather than your first home.
2. How the Application Process Works
You cannot apply directly at the Ministry. All First Home and First Land grant applications are lodged through your bank or financial institution, Housing Authority or FNPF as part of your loan.
Before house-hunting, check you meet the citizenship, income and first-home criteria and that your planned land tenure is eligible.
- Clarify whether you’re building or purchasing.
- Estimate total household income (including spouse).
The grant is treated as part of your equity contribution and paid through your bank at settlement. You still need to qualify for a standard home or land loan.
- Get a borrowing power / pre-approval assessment.
- Confirm your lender participates in the First Home Ownership Initiative and will lodge the grant application.
The Ministry and your lender use a set of core documents to confirm your eligibility and verify your property.
- Gather everything in the documents checklist.
- Make sure your land documents show a registered lease or title.
Once your loan is approved and your documents are ready, your lender will:
- Complete the First Home Application and Declaration Forms with you.
- Upload your application and documents via the Ministry’s First Home portal.
If approved:
- The grant is paid to your bank / FI, not directly to you.
- It is applied as part of your contribution towards purchase or construction.
- You remain responsible for normal loan repayments going forward.
Coordinate timing between lawyer, bank and Ministry so grant payment lines up with settlement / drawdowns.