Fiji Times Property Guide 5 July 2014

Pr perty Guide
5 July, 2014
The key to your new home
propertyguide@fijitimes.com.fj
Picture: SUPPLIED
Make your
dream a reality
Beauty, privacy and security, this is your chance …
If you’re looking for privacy, seclusion and some
of the finest natural views, Harcourts Fiji is
selling one of the most breathtaking properties
on Naisoso Island. This 24-hour secure property
could be yours for the taking
Full coverage: PAGE 2
DIY tips
Youth investment
Open homes
Housing expatriates
THE FIJI TIMES — SATURDAY, JULY 5, 2014
1
Property Guide
Inside this
week ...
E: propertyguide@fijitimes.com.fj
Property Guide
E: propertyguide@fijitimes.com.fj
How to attract expat tenants
TIP BOX:
 Put the property
online at least three
months in advance
 Take high quality
photographs of the
property
 Having schools and
convenience areas
nearby the property is
an advantage
 Make it known
whether it’s furnished
or unfurnished
 Make your property
look as presentable as
possible
 Security is
paramount
VILLA 112 is another superbly built
home by Northern Blue Construction on Naisoso Island. ...... P4-5
LOT five Marina Point, Denarau
Marina Point is certainly a great
address to own. ....... P6
HAVE you ever thought about
moving to the West? Lautoka is the
second largest city in Fiji. ................ P7
The four generous sized bedrooms have their own
ensuite, including indoor and outdoor showers
allowing total privacy and serenity for these sleeping
quarters.
Picture: SUPPLIED
The only way you can justify your price is if what you’re renting looks impeccable.
S
MART property investors know that attracting a reliable expat tenant can be
an excellent way to ensure you receive
the best rental income for your property and as more and more expats accept positions in Fiji, this sector is expected to grow.
So, how do you attract the best tenants for
your property?
FEATURES:
 Four generous sized bedrooms
 Open plan living
 24-hour onsite security
 Newly-built home
Areas outside of Suva are slowly
building themselves up and
currently undergoing their own
developments ............ P8
The kitchen is a cook’s dream that is well appointed for the family’s day-today needs or catering or entertaining in your home.
Picture: SUPPLIED
Safe and beautiful
B
EING able to access your home
on some of Fiji’s finest freehold
land by boat or car is more than
a dream, it’s now an opportunity
for the most discerning buyer.
It’s also an investment that is still in
its maturing stages.
Planned future developments on Naisoso Island are exciting for the privileged
residents.
This is a home that has a stunning
location with provision for your own
private boat jetty.
As you arrive at the property, you have
excellent drive on access with additional
space for parking as well as a large
enclosed double garage.
Enter then, through the formal entrance gates and discover a stunning
home that is designed with safe family
living in mind, privacy or entertaining for
your favourite crowd.
The open plan living, kitchen and
dining extend to the private outdoor
entertaining area.
The kitchen is a cook’s dream that is
well appointed for the family’s day-today needs or catering or entertaining in
your home.
Extending from the kitchen, the open
plan living again has the advantages of
intimate dining and living for just the
family or formal dining and open indoor
outdoor space for entertaining.
The four generous sized bedrooms
have their own ensuite, including indoor
and outdoor showers allowing total
privacy and serenity for these sleeping
quarters.
With your family’s safety in mind, the
24-hour on-site security is in operation
at all times.
You can swim in your pool, sit in the
lounger on the poolside deck and be
mesmerised by the views across the
mangrove and out to the mountains or
visualise your boat on the jetty, then you
have the dilemma of how to start your
day!
This home is a newly-built home that
speaks absolute quality, nothing but the
best.
For viewing appointment at this
magnificent home contact our Harcourts
(Nadi) senior sales consultant Lucy Derenalagi on 9969320 or email harcourtsnadi@gmail.com
Source: Harcourts Fiji
The property has a 24-hour on-site security in operation
at all times.
Picture: SUPPLIED
SAMABULA, Rewa St
Open Home: Sat 3.30-4PM
3 flats (1x3, 2x2brms), ideal
home & income property.
Call Jasmindar 996 7118
VATUWAQA, Fletcher Rd
Call Brendon 939 5162
2 THE FIJI TIMES —SATURDAY, JULY 5, 2014
lent way to reach these people.
2. Because expats can’t view the property
in person, they rely on the photos so make sure
you and your agent take high quality photos —
use a camera, not your phone!
3. Expat renters often move to Fiji with a
young family so be sure to explain the local
schools and conveniences near your property.
Schools form a vital part of a foreign community’s backbone, especially for those arriving in a new country with little children.
Expats also find it easier to meet and bond
This is a home that has a stunning location with provision
for your own private boat jetty.
Picture: SUPPLIED
with other families from the same community,
with children who attend the same educational
institutions.
Remove all personal attachments in the
house. Give the walls a fresh coat of paint,
preferably in white.
4. Furnished or unfurnished? Be prepared
to provide some of the basic furniture requirements to help the tenant get started but you
most likely won’t need to provide everything.
6. Security is important so be sure to take
the time to explain what security features your
property has, such as cameras, fencing, good
neighbours and secure entries.
5. The potential tenant must be able to
imagine living in your property so think of it like
a five-star hotel.
The only way you can justify your price is if
what you’re renting looks impeccable.
PHONE: SUVA: 330 2268 | NADI: 675 0420
FOR SALE
Launching Soon – The Moorings,
Denarau. Register your interest for
pre-launch invita�on:
enquiries@bayleysji.com.ł
HOT PROPERTY
Open Home: Sat 4-5PM
2,104sqms, 2 separate houses
(1x5 and 1x4 bedrooms).
1. Expats search for their new rental property online well before moving to Fiji so make
sure you advertise your property up to three
months in advance of it becoming available.
Advertising on property.com.fj is an excel-
Picture: BLOGSPOT
THE PACIFIC’S PROPERTY PROFESSIONALS
NADI, Fasa Avenue – Freehold
4 bedroom recently refurbished
house, 1060 sqm, separate laundry,
greenhouse, beau�fully landscaped.
$300,000. Call Sapna 997 7817
NASOSO, Nadi – 4 bedrooms, 3
bathrooms with swimming pool,
freehold. Double storey, spacious
kitchen, separate dining area. Private
and secure. Vendor is keen to sell.
Make an offer. Asking $490,000.
Call Susan 999 1458
NADI, Votualevu – Fresh to the
market these freehold residen�al
lots are all approximately 1000sqm.
This lovely elevated residen�al area
enjoys beau�ful views, some to
the Sleeping Giant. This residen�al
enclave is close to the new Votualevu Shopping Centre with
supermarket and specialty retail outlets and restaurant.
$120,000 (VIP). Call Susan 999 1458
YASAWAS, Davuilau Island – 54 acres
private island in the Yasawa Islands.
99 year tourism lease. Reachable by
boat, helicopter and occassionally
a low �de samd bar, the island
remains a distant yet secure place of
residence for any and all who desire
to bask in its white sandy beaches.
F$4 million. Call Susan 999 1458
PACIFIC HARBOUR – Located in
Sec�on B of Pacic Harbour, Villa
327 is on Bunako Cirle off Vi� Levu
Drive. The fully fenced property
has a single storey concrete villa
completed in 2010. The freehold
land of 1123 square metres consists of a 4 bedroom house
including an ensuite. Owner has migrated and needs to sell.
Asking $450,000. Call Susan 999 1458
CORAL COAST – Price reduced!! A
spectacular freehold private estate
si�ng on approx. 20 acres. This
rare freehold beachfront property
yields the perfect venue for a worldclass resort or an ideal private
estate. Excellent landscaping. USD
$695,000. Call Sapna 997 7817
MAMANUCAS, Malolo Island –
Enjoy the breathtaking ocean views
and the tranquility of this 817 sqm
site on Malolo Island. Just a short
boat ride to the world famous
“Cloudbreak” surng site and overlooking the new Vunabaka
Marina. Build your dream home and secure your future
“home away from home”. Call Dick 998 5790
VUDA – Stunning sec�on, well
elevated si�ng on 1.15 acres
of na�ve leaseland. 360 degree
panaromic sea views. Make an offer
today. Call Sapna 997 7817
VOTUALEVU, Savunawai Estate
– 3 bedroom concrete home in a
Housing Authority lease. On a large
lot this home is priced to sell at
$93,000. Call Dick 998 5790
Nadi: Ground Floor, Appraisals Pacic Building, Mar�ntar
Ph: 675 0420 | Fax: 675 0421 | www.bayleysji.com
Suva: 1 Thurston Street | Ph: 330 2268 | Fax: 330 2322
Licensed Real Estate Agents No. 0038
Source: property.com.fj
SIGATOKA – 3 bedroom execu�ve
house including an en-suite
upstairs, open plan and 2 ats
downstairs both 2 bedrooms each.
Separate storage and tool room.
Roo�op with spectacular views. A
must view! $600,000 neg.
Call Sapna 997 7817
NADI, Namaka – Restaurant
business for sale, road frontage,
affordable rent, good returns,
includes all stock and furniture as a
going concern. Offers invited.
Call Sapna 997 7817
DENARAU, Hilton Villas – 2
bedroom beachfront single key
on the ground oor - $600,000
and 1 bedroom garden view rst
oor - $300,000 and 1 bedroom
beachfront $499,000. Owners get 10 weeks usage per
annum. Call Susan 999 1458
SUVA, Pathik Crescent, Namadi
Heights – Freehold property, best
loca�on. 3 bedrooms plus master
bedroom, large back yard. E.O.I
closes 15th July 2014.
Call Mark 900 6407
RAKIRAKI – Approx 58 acres land
for sale. Amazing 360 degree views.
Few minutes away from Volivoli
Beach and Wananavu Resort. Loads
of opportunity for local investors,
developers, operators as individual
or syndicates in the hospitality,
tourism, agricultural, educa�on and ins�tu�onal arenas. Call
now for more informa�on. Call Shane 996 0061
PRINCIPAL SPONSORS OF THE BAYLEYS
FIJI CORAL COAST SEVENS
THE FIJI TIMES — SATURDAY, JULY 5, 2014
3
Property Guide
E: propertyguide@fijitimes.com.fj
Your opportunity to own a slice of paradise
This must see property also features floating floors on the second level.
4 THE FIJI TIMES —SATURDAY, JULY 5, 2014
J
UST listed for sale, this stunning property
is a must see for those on the lookout for
an island home or a high-yield investment
property.
Villa 112 is another superbly built home by
Northern Blue Construction (NBC) on Naisoso
Island.
The minute you walk through the front
door of this 386m² home, you can feel the
luxury and warmth that the owner and builder
worked hard to create.
“We worked closely with the owner to ensure we created a haven that captures not only
the stunning views available at Naisoso Island
but the warmth and privacy it also offers,” explained NBC manager Regan Berryman.
“With four bedrooms upstairs, all with ensuites, walk-in wardrobes and luxury trimmings you would expect from a premium
property, we capitalised on the beautiful views
of Nadi Bay to the east as well as the Sleeping
Giant Mountains to the west.”
The house is impeccably appointed throughout and comes fully furnished with everything
from the set of 10 cutlery and crockery, to
televisions not only in the lounge but the large
media room as well.
Completing the open plan downstairs area
is a large laundry, guest toilet, double lockup
garage and ample storage space, this landscaped home also boasts a large outdoor area
that wrap around the family-size pool.
“We furnished the property with long-lasting, high quality furniture both indoors and
out. The large undercover barbecue area is the
perfect place for families to share meals and
enjoy the beauty of the island home and balmy
Fiji weather,” Mr Berryman added.
This must see property also features floating floors on the second level where light
floods in from the glass windows which have
screens and louvres so fresh breeze can flow
FEATURES:
 386m² home on 1077m² land
 100% freehold
 Fully Furnished
 Double Story
 4 bedrooms
 5 bathrooms
 Luxury Kitchen
 Double Lock up garage
 Outdoor entertaining
 Excellent returns
 Price on Application
Contact Naisoso Island Real Estate
P: 999 0342 E: sales@
naisosoislandrealestate.com
through both levels of the home.
Inspection by appointment only, your opportunity to own a slice of paradise is easier than
you think!
Onsite managers are there to assist owners
with the maintenance of their property or for
investment options in the rental market, they
are here to professionally manage tenants or
guests to ensure good solid returns.
Source: Naisoso Island
This property and more can be found at:
This landscaped home also boasts a large outdoor area that wrap around the
family-size pool. Picture: SUPPLIED
Completing the open plan downstairs area is a large laundry, guest toilet, double lockup garage and ample storage space.
Picture: SUPPLIED
The house is impeccably appointed throughout and comes fully furnished with
everything from the set of 10 cutlery and crockery, to televisions not only in the
lounge but the large media room as well.
Picture: SUPPLIED
We worked closely with the owner to
ensure we created a haven that captures
not only the stunning views available
at Naisoso Island but the warmth and
privacy it also offers
Picture: SUPPLIED
THE FIJI TIMES — SATURDAY, JULY 5, 2014
5
Property Guide
E: propertyguide@fijitimes.com.fj
Property Guide
E: propertyguide@fijitimes.com.fj
Benefits of investment Living in the Sugar City
By DAWN GIBSON
THE important role played by youths
in the investment and real estate industry cannot be undermined.
And the main people who need
to understand this are the youth
themselves.
This was highlighted earlier this
week by Real Estate Agents Licensing Board CEO Ravinesh Murti who
said investment did not belong to
simply one age category and that
now, more than ever before this
was particularly applicable.
“Gone are the days when middleaged people used to invest in properties,” Mr Murti said.
“It is encouraging to note that
the bank rates have been reduced
and that financial institutes such
as Home Finance (HFC) and the
Housing Authority of Fiji are now
only taking 10 per cent deposits as
equity.” He said such incentives encourage and often provide a means
for young people to invest in land,
among other things.
“The purchasing power of locals
is now much higher than it was 10
years back.
“If this trend continues, then
many young Fijians will benefit in
future.”
He explained that while it was
common for freshly-graduated
youngsters to leave university in
the hope of purchasing a great new
car, more awareness needs to be
raised about the importance of land
investments.
“I understand that for many
young graduates, they often like
to invest in fancy cars and luxury
items, which is fine, but many
young graduates need to understand the benefits of investing in
the property.
“However, at the same time, they
do need to be very vigilant about investment factors such as location,
rate of return etc.
“It is not necessary to invest in
Suva, there are many land and properties for sale at affordable rates in
Pacific Harbour, Lautoka and in tax
free zones. There are affordable investments but people need to look
beyond Suva, as other places are
also booming.”
This spectacular offer
is currently for sale for
$F2.5million.
Picture: SUPPLIED
H
AVE you ever thought about moving to the
West? Lautoka is the second largest city in
Fiji.
Located in the Western Division, Lautoka
is a short 30-minute drive from Fiji’s main tourist hub
of Nadi.
Lying in the heart of Fiji’s sugarcane growing region, Lautoka is known as the “Sugar City”. Covering
an area of 16 square kilometres, Lautoka is home to
about 53,000 people.
Lautoka is beautifully situated by the sea, with
white sandy beaches hugging it’s coastline. The city
is very green with many parks and wide tree-lined
streets to explore.
The main esplanade has a varied choice of restaurants and cafés as well as a cinema screening all the
latest movies.
Praneel Dass of Inglewood Realtors is an expert in
the Lautoka area.
Mr Dass believes the real estate market in Lautoka
has seen a steady increase in activity over the last
few years, especially from investors looking to take
advantage of the high rental demand in the city.
However, smaller yet affordable properties, close
to infrastructure, still make up the bulk of sales.
The most attractive areas of Lautoka are located
within close proximity to the centre of the town such
as Simla, Adams St, Field 40, Rifle Range, Vomo St,
Waiyavi and Natabua.
There are plans for major developments to commence in Lautoka.
A multi-level shopping complex and beachfront
hotel are scheduled to begin construction shortly. A
popular existing hotel is undergoing a facelift as well
as expanding its accommodation and facilities to attract more tourists. Construction of a major university campus with extensive student accommodation
has been proposed.
Savvy investors should look to capitalise on the demand for good residential subdivisions. There are a
number of large parcels of land available for investors
to develop and market as separate blocks.
However, it is best to check the title and zoning of
the land before committing to a deal.
If you’re looking to buy or sell real estate in Lautoka
contact Mr Dass of Inglewood Realtors.
Source: property.com.fj
The most attractive areas of Lautoka are located within close proximity to the centre of the town such as Simla, Adams St,
Field 40, Rifle Range, Vomo St, Waiyavi and Natabua.
Picture: FT FILE
FOR SALE
Shop 3A Ground Floor, Vanua House, Suva O: 331 0069 F: 331 0070
This home boasts its own pool and delivers everything you might expect in an exclusive residential resort destination.
Picture: SUPPLIED
Denarau Marina Point
FEATURES:
The true essence of tropical living
LOT five Marina Point, Denarau
Marina Point is certainly a great address to own.
And this home, which boasts its
own pool, delivers everything you
might expect in an exclusive residential resort destination.
The living wing offers superb indoor and outdoor environments, the
true essence of tropical living
That, together with a wonderful
spacious kitchen and a butler’s pantry, spacious living and dining areas,
a large covered terrace with direct
access to the pool and garden, is
enough to interest anyone looking
for true island paradise.
Aside from the offerings of the
kitchen and dining areas, the bedroom wing has four large attractive
bedrooms, two of which come with
ensuites.
And the third and fourth bedrooms share a bathroom.
Rest assured that there are quality fittings throughout all rooms in
the house. The private pontoon is
set up for a large pleasure craft —
perfect for cruising out into the Mamanuca and Yasawa Island Groups
before returning to home base.
And home base, not to mention,
is close to all the facilities and
amenities Denarau Island has to
offer, including the Port Denarau
Marina and Retail and Commercial
Centre, eight world class resorts
and the wonderful Denarau Golf and
Racquet Club.
Aside from the offerings of the kitchen and dining areas, the bedroom wing has four
large attractive bedrooms, two of which come with ensuites.
Picture: SUPPLIED
6 THE FIJI TIMES —SATURDAY, JULY 5, 2014
And all this pleasure and island
living comfort is no more than a 20minute ride from the Nadi International Airport.
This spectacular offer is currently for sale for $F2.5million and
those interested in having a look at
it are encouraged to contact Susan
Pritchard on 9991458 or via email
at susan.pritchard@bayleysfiji.com.
fj
Source: Bayleys Fiji
 Access to all of
Denarau’s facilities
 20 minutes from
the Nadi International
Airport
 Private pontoon
 Four large
bedrooms — two with
ensuites
 $F2.5million
 Includes large
kitchen with butler’s
pantry
Wonderful spacious kitchen and a butler’s pantry, spacious living and dining areas,
a large covered terrace is enough to interest anyone looking for true island paradise.
Picture: SUPPLIED
We’ll Make your Dream Real
www.rhooker.com.ł
THE FIJI TIMES — SATURDAY, JULY 5, 2014
7
Property Guide
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Make use of that vacant land, says Murti
By DAWN GIBSON
ARE you the owner of some vacant
land somewhere around the country?
If so, now would be the opportune time to make use of that land.
One of the mantras of the real
estate business — aside from location and security — is investment,
investment, investment.
And the Real Estate Agents
Licencing Board’s CEO Ravinesh
Murti believes that if Fijians are to
benefit from the real estate industry, now would be the right time to
invest in it.
“If a person has vacant land at a
desirable location at the moment,
then it’s time to develop that land
or sell it off to someone else to
develop as the real estate market
in Fiji is booming,” Mr Murti said.
“These landowners can get desirable returns if they play their cards
right. At times it is wise to sell off
the land when the person is unable
to sustain the development cost
of it.”
Mr Murti clung to a motto he
often uses to explain his push for
investment — “real estate is the
success of all wealth”.
“If one can generate income
from their land either by developing, building investment properties
or by selling it off, then why wait?
“The real estate industry is
booming and it’s certainly the time
for Fijians to take advantage of it.”
He clarified that at the moment
there are exactly 119 licensed real
estate agents in the country and
that many of them would be great
sources of help for people interested in buying, developing, selling
or investing in land.
“They deal with property on
a daily basis and they have vast
knowledge about the demands
and types of properties desired by
investors and purchasers.
“It is wise to engage real estate
agents rather than trying to sell
the property on your own.”
Working within
your budget
Areas outside of Suva, such as Nadawa, are slowly building themselves up and currently undergoing their own developments thus attracting more investors.
By DAWN GIBSON
I
F you are of the belief that the only
areas experiencing some encouraging
real estate booms and investments
are Suva, Nadi and island resorts, you
have another think coming.
Areas outside of Suva are slowly building themselves up and currently undergoing their own developments as well,
thanks to their affordability and attractiveness.
Real Estate Agents Licencing Board
CEO Ravinesh Murti said this had become
more noticeable recently, in particular
around the Nadawa area.
“One of the reasons for that is because
the affordability rate is below $150,000,”
he said. “And Nadawa is the place where
even though the property we think might
look like it’s about $60,000 or $100,000
people will buy it for $150,000 because
they cannot buy a property like it elsewhere for that price.”
He said given the popularity of rental
spaces, it was common practise for property owners in those areas to provide flatting areas.
“And for some of them, they also benefit by buying the property then dividing
it up into sections for rent, which seems
to be quite popular now because so many
people are looking to rent both in and
around Suva and other parts of Fiji.
“Basically, for $100,000 or $150,000
properties, they have about $500 to $700
in repayments, so if people can meet
those repayments, that’s good. But if, for
example, they buy the same property in
Suva for around $300,000 or $400,000,
it’s like $3000 or $4000 repayment, so
it’s the affordability rate.”
He explained that this interest was also
a demonstration of personal understanding of the importance of property in Fiji.
“It’s really good because it shows that
people understand the importance of
both working within their budgets as well
as the importance of owning property.
“And of course it means other areas
are experiencing development. And even
though they may not have large blocks of
land, they own a home, which is just as
important.”
Picture: FT FILE
It’s really good because
it shows that people
understand the importance
of both working within
their budgets as well as
the importance of owning
property
Minimising renovation risks
THERE are tricks to minimising or being prepared for problems.
“It’s important to start with a realistic expectation that you’re going to encounter a lot of surprises, especially if you’re working with an old
home,” says Melbourne architect Ed Ewers.
1. FACTOR FOR BUDGET BLOWOUTS
The most common complaint of first-timers is
that everything costs more than expected. Overspend of ten results from not recognising that
changes cost extra.
It’s standard for builders to write into the
contract that alterations after work has started
8 THE FIJI TIMES —SATURDAY, JULY 5, 2014
incur an additional cost of ten, an extra 10 to 20
per cent.
2. CHOOSE A REPUTABLE BUILDER
Whether it’s poor quality work, overcharging or bad communication, the repercussions
of having a dodgy builder or tradie can last for
years. Do the research, get at least three quotes
and check that the builders are quoting for the
same inclusions and allowances.
3. HAVE A WATERTIGHT CONTRACT
Many disaster stories are linked to bad contracts and homeowners locked into agreements
they can’t get out of. Read the fine print before signing and understand every clause. If in
doubt, run it past a lawyer. Also check protection against delays and poor quality, and be clear
about how much extra you’ll pay for any variations. If the builder wants to add 20 per cent to
any variation required during construction you
might be able to negotiate that down to 15 per
cent.
4. EXPECT TIMELINE STRETCHES
While ordering materials and booking subcontractors is the builder’s job, some decisions
are the homeowner’s. Avoid renovating around
time-sensitive events, such as a new baby or
family coming to stay. Steer clear of the Christmas period, when much of the building industry
take two weeks off. Make sure the contract has
a clause that includes a penalty for the builder if
delays go past a certain point.
5. BE FLEXIBLE WITH SOLUTIONS
Look at the big picture and be prepared to
make changes if you come across problems
once building has started. Keep an open mind
and consider expert advice when looking for the
best solutions.
Source: readersdigest.com.au