Destination Guernsey

With its stunning coastline, wealth of history and intriguing culture, Guernsey is a beautiful, cosmopolitan place to live, as L-J Andrew discovers with real-estate agents Savills

There is much to value about island life on Guernsey, including an excellent education system and a variety of leisure pursuits, but those who live there, particularly cherish the sense of community and the feeling of safety that comes with it. The island is big enough that there are always new people to meet, yet you are never far away from someone you know.

Guernsey is self-governing and has its place on the global stage due to its acknowledged, competent handling of the coronavirus pandemic.

The experience of lockdown has caused many to reassess their work-life balance with a surge in activity in the Guernsey property market. According to Savills Research, using the States of Guernsey Data and Analytics, 2021 has seen the highest level of Open Market transactions since 2005.

Savills website traffic also points to an uptick in interest from the mainland, in property on the island. It’s too early to tell whether this uptick will result in a significant increase in people moving to the island, but if you are considering making the move, there are a few things to note.

Buying property on Guernsey differs from mainland transactions; the island has two property markets – Local and Open – and restrictions apply to occupancy, rather than ownership. There is no minimum annual income tax requirement or minimum purchase price for a property, and it’s worth noting that, for UK citizens, there is a ‘no application’ process for residency, which makes a move fairly straightforward. Guernsey is just 25 minutes commute from the UK mainland, with regular scheduled flights and access by private plane or helicopter second to none.

There is no minimum annual income tax requirement or minimum purchase price for a property, and it’s worth noting that, for UK citizens, there is a ‘no application’ process for residency, which makes a move fairly straightforward. Guernsey is just 25 minutes commute from the UK mainland, with regular scheduled flights and access by private plane or helicopter second to none.