Expats may be surprised to learn that finding and renting accommodation in the Channel Islands is often a complicated matter that involves a lot of red tape. The relative ease of a property search and subsequent rental or purchase typically depends solely on one’s residential or work status on the islands.
Types of accommodation in the Channel Islands
Guernsey
In Guernsey, housing is divided into Local Market and Open Market housing. Local Market housing comprises approximately 90 percent of Guernsey's property market. This type of housing is available for rent or purchase only by a select group of people, namely those born in Guernsey, those with strong family ties on the island, or those who can fill critical skills shortages.
Open Market housing is not only limited in terms of the number of properties available (around 7 percent), but it is also generally bigger and more luxurious than Local Market housing. Accordingly, it is also more expensive.
The Guernsey government website has more information on regulations.
Jersey
Expats will need a housing permit to rent or buy a house in Jersey. Eligibility for a permit is based on a person's residence, work or financial status on the island.
Everyone living on the island is assigned one of four categories, each of which has associated privileges. The categories are as follows, from highest to lowest:
- Entitled status: Those who have lived on Jersey for more than 10 years
- Licensed status: Those considered essential employees
- Entitled for work status: Those who have lived in Jersey for at least five years or have a spouse of equal or higher status
- Registered status: Those who don't qualify for any of the above
‘Entitled’ residents can rent, buy and sell property as they wish. ‘Licensed’ residents can rent or buy any one property, excluding social housing or first-time buyer housing. ‘Entitled for work’ residents may only lease registered property as their main place of residence, and can only purchase property jointly with a spouse who has ‘Entitled’ or ‘Licensed’ status. ‘Registered’ residents may lease registered property (formerly known as unqualified accommodation), which includes lodging houses and certain private rentals.
For more information, visit the Jersey government website.
Finding accommodation in the Channel Islands
Because accommodation and space on the islands are limited, demand for housing is incredibly high, making it even harder for expats to find a place to live in the Channel Islands.
Laws governing foreigners' rights to rent or buy property also differ between islands. Therefore, we recommend expats enlist the services of an estate agent, immigration specialist or property lawyer based in the Channel Islands to ensure they find a suitable home with minimal hassle.