ALL INFORMATION SHOULD BE CONFIRMED WITH THE SUPPLIER/BUILDER. THIS IS A GUIDE ONLY.

Regarding construction costs, construction time, supplies delivery and so forth, there is a reputable builder up in the northern region of Fiji of which Taveuni is a part. This is Webster Construction, www.fijiconstruction.com. Their office is based in Savusavu on neighbouring Vanua Levu, but they have constructed quite a few homes in Taveuni. The latest one was a million dollar home on the waterfront further down the coastline at Soqulu. The principal of Webster Construction is Greg Webster (a New Zealander), websters@connect.com.fj. With Taveuni projects, they set up a construction team on site in Taveuni, but we understand that Greg then flies over from Savusavu on a weekly basis or as required to supervise. There are other local builders, an Indian company - Sambhu Lal Construction in Savusavu, for example, and, we understand local ones in Taveuni. If you are not going to be at Maravu to supervise construction along the way, Webster Construction may be a better option as it might be easier to communicate with him from afar.

You can engage an architect if you wish (refer www.fijiarchitects.com for architectural firms and contact details). Alternatively if you wish to provide your own sketch plans Websters can help with getting your drawings prepared and submitted to the planning authorities for approval.

Websters require a lead time for commencing construction, as they need to schedule their building teams and so on. Construction is best done in the drier winter months, say May through to October or November. They told us that planning permission process can be up to 3 months, 8 weeks if smooth! Construction time is approx 4-6 months. Websters can also advise on their fees, building costs and so on if you contact them direct. It all depends on (a) the size of the house, and (b) kind of construction (pole house, masonry or whatever). In 2006, approximate quotation was given of FJ$100-180 per sq. ft., but that was in 2006 and with currency fluctuations, and change in import duties on luxury items since that time (such as jacuzzis, white goods etc) may have affected this, so you would need to get a revised figure. At that time, their fees were either 15% mark up on nett costs (before VAT) + wages, or a set contractual price worked out at commencement. Their payment structure was along the lines of 30% deposit, then progress payments during construction. The final FJ$15,000 or so would be paid after a maintenance period (to allow for any possible problems that occured, to be resolved). Do not rely on the above figures, however, but contact them direct and get up-to-date information and pricing pertaining to your own requirements.

A REMINDER THAT ALL INFORMATION SHOULD BE CONFIRMED WITH THE SUPPLIER/BUILDER. THIS IS A GUIDE ONLY.

For information on pool costs (which would be extra to building costs mentioned above), there are a few companies in Fiji, such as Dream Pools and Luxury Pools you may like to contact. The one in Nadi is Luxury Pools, info@compasspools.com.au + 679 992 3632 (mobile) - they are a Fiji location for Compass Pools (which operate in Australia, but also have agencies in Fiji, Cook Islands, New Zealand, USA, Great Britain, Austria and so on) - www.compasspools.com.au

Q: Cost of 3 bedroom, 2,250 SF (210 sqm) home @ FJ$165/SF construction cost = approx. US$200,000?
A: This is a quite good estimation and would allow a high building standard; to the outlined price you would need to add costs for luxury F/F/F like kitchen + white goods, luxurious bathroom equipment like Jacuzzi, Glass Shower Cabin, etc., furniture, fabrics (for curtains, beds, etc.); this costs of course would very much depend on the quantity & quality you would buy. All of that would be available here in Fiji though.

Q: Cost of pool @ FJ$50,000 = US$27,000?
A: This would be enough for a 10 x 5 meter pool without the equipment (pumps, etc.) but just the pool.

Q: Architectural plans @ 9% of house construction cost = US$18,000?
A: This is plenty and only applies to the most expensive architects here; by the way, some of the construction companies even include the price for architectural services.

Q: Rental income at least US$200/night for 150 nights/year = US$30,000/year?
A: I think this is quite realistic; at least 20 rented out weeks p.a. @ 7 nights would be 140 nights. US$ 200 in average is absolutely realistic for a high end house. At a Resort on Vanua Levu (across from Taveuni) the rental charge is approx. US$ 800 per night since the villas are connected to a resort such as at Maravu. The Villas there are of highest standard though and are serviced (housekeeping - which can be done at Maravu as well). To be honest I don't believe you can ask this price on Taveuni and I also think it's too much and therefore the villas not rented very often.

Q: Does a pool really enhance the rental income enough to make it worth the extra cost?
A: I guess it would only have to net an additional US$50 per night to pay for itself? The pool might not increase your income rental any further than US$ 250/night but for sure it is an argument for many people to rent a property with a pool instead of one without.

Q: What costs would I incur by having Maravu manage the rental?
A: Please see the property management & support agreement. Please note, most other subdivision managements are asking for 50/50 regardless who is making the rental booking.

Q: What services would Maravu provide with respect to the property management?
A: Please see the property management & support agreement.

Q: Are there any additional costs for providing water and electricity or maintaining roads, etc.?
A: yes, please see land sales agreement.

Q: Would VAT be charged on the land and construction costs? Do I have to gross up the cost of the project by 12.5%?
A: Yes

If you have more questions email or call Maravu’s Managing Director Mr. Jochen Kiess on Ph: +679 3324 303 - Fax: +679 3324 328