Land

 

The Department of Lands and Survey and the Native Land Trust Board (NLTB) are the two authorities that undertake management and administration of most land in Fiji.

 

 

The Department of Lands and Survey manages all state lands, which includes leases from State land of both Schedule A and Schedule B type as well as leases on freehold and foreshore land lying between high and low spring tide limits. The Department has established a Land Information System to assist with Land Information System.

 

More information is available on www.lands.gov.fj

 

 

 

Native land, managed by the Native Land Trust Board (NLTB), comprises 87% of all the land in Fiji and was permanently deeded by the British Crown in the 1880’s.  Native land cannot be sold. It will remain as property of the landowning unit unless sold back to the State for public purpose.  Native land is available for public use by lease agreement.  Leases can vary from 30 years for agricultural purposes up to 99 years for most other uses (commercial, residential, etc).

 

More information is available on www.nltb.com.fj

 

The normal method of conveyance is by lease. Each lease category has different conditions and terms. The leasing cost would comprise of yearly rental payment to the appropriate authority, plus the actual lease or premium cost. Leases may be sold, transferred and varied. However, such dealings are subject to consent of the NLTB and Lands Department.

 

Government Lease for industrial purposes is normally up to 99 years and rental reassessed every 10 years. NLTB lease is shorter in term for land nearer to urban locations and the term is for a 50-75 year period. Annual rental is reassessed every 5 years. The maximum rental that can be levied in both cases is 6 percent of unimproved capital value. Leases also generally require lessees to effect improvements within a specified time.