Building in Vanuatu is a straightforward process, homes can range from simple living to luxury mansions either in traditional materials or imported. Process for application is straightforward. New homes built attract good capital gains returns.
· Local builders – licenced and excellent at local style coral homes, bamboo, timber, and brick. Very clever and experienced working in the environment.
· Expat builders – can be sourced focusing on Australian style block & steel.
· Commercial Builders – available locally and out of Port Villa
· International Builders – Sourced your own & fly in (require work permit)
· Cement Pegs - in the ground and a pole to show your boundary.
· Fully fenced - marking the boundaries on some properties
· Clearly marked - clearly marked with either fence posts or lot numbers.
· Surveyors - are available if you require further confirmation.
· Solar – Very effective and easy to use and install, a wide selection from huge systems to small camping style setups.
· Solar Appliances - TVs, fridges, freezers, lights, chargers etc all can be purchased with their own solar panel and set up.
· Solar imports - ship one from Australia or your country of origin.
· Solar is installed by licences electricians.
· Water well Prices depend on depth 3 metres (approx.)
- Unlined Beachfront simple depth ($1000)
- Lined Beachfront basic (starting from $1200)
- Fully lined Beachfront POS depends on depth and size.
- Water driller POA + transport
· Water tanks – large variety of sizes and easily available
· Cement underground storage – can be built to store substantial amounts of water.
· There is plenty of rainfall, water is pure fresh and clean that fill both wells and tanks.
· Solar Water pump
· Petrol water pump
· Gravity fed from water tanks on towers.
· Bucket from water tank into house
· Readymade septic (plastic) – available at the hardware store
· Custom septic (Cement and filter system with soaker system) built onsite.
· Bush septic (Cement top with soaker)
· Plumbing plans are required for permanent houses and short-term rentals.
· Vanuatu is very relaxed with building.
· Permeant building and short term rentals the following is preferred.
· Two stories in island areas are the limit.
· 2 main houses on each property of permanent nature
· Cyclone proofing for permanent and short-term rentals
· Preferred to use Colourbond roofing.
· Enclosed septic systems
· Building permit for building of a permanent nature
· Application – House plans, site plan, plumbing plan
· Pay the application fee starting from 500vt psm
· Permit is required from the dept of environment.
· Jetty’s are included in this application
· Yes, all properties have road access.
· Dirt roads are common with sealed roads in built up areas.
· Jungle properties have roads 4wd access only.
· Built up areas - properties town the province maintains the roads.
· Rural Roads - maintained by the owner of the lease that faces the road.
· No, the soil is volcanic the area does not flood.
· Tsunami are extremely rare in Vanuatu due to the deep water surrounding the islands
· High Tide Mark – during storms tides come to the high tide mark.
· Storm surge zone – permanent structures must be built beyond this mark.
· Tidal surge – patios and BBQ area can be built in this area.
· Hardware store supplies the basics you would need.
· Local made furniture with local timbers.
· Designer furniture – Port villa
· Import custom furniture.
· Water taxi – for small to large items like timber, water tanks
· Barge – Large items like cars, buggies, big items
· Private boat – for smaller items
· $20.00 for short trips in boat 2 – 5 km
· $30.00 for long trips in boat 5 – 10km
· $80.00 for long trips in boat 10 – 20km
· $20.00 in Ute short trips 2- 5 km
· $30.00 in Ute long trips 5 – 10km
· Dependant on how many trips what you are carrying and who you get the above is a guideline.
· Most boats can carry a ton of cement and 1 cubic metre of timber
· Supply your own tools – it is standard you supply the tools for your job unless specialised tools are required, in this case you can hire them.
· Building contractors come with tools at a rate set by them.
· Solar and plumbing contractors come with some tools but ladders and some things they ask you to provide.
· Labourers do not come with their own tools you must supply them.
· Hire tools – occasionally you can ask the workers to bring tools, they all have their own rate.
Vanuatu Island
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