This Is Guernsey

Residential properties in Guernsey are split into two categories: ‘Local Market’ and ‘Open Market’. There are no restrictions on ownership of property. The restrictions apply, instead, to occupation.

Local market properties in general can be occupied by locally born people who have lived in Guernsey for a certain period and by people who, whilst not born in Guernsey have lived here for a certain (longer) period and whose parents or more remote ancestors have lived here between particular dates.

The rules concerning who is a ‘qualified resident’ are very complicated and in any case where there is doubt the Housing Authority or an Advocate should be consulted for advice.

Local market properties can be occupied by non- ‘qualified residents’ only if they hold a Housing Licence issued by the Housing Authority.

These licences are issued to people whose employment is considered essential to the community; on a short-term basis to people employed in industries such as horticulture and tourism; and because of family or other connections - for example to allow a non-local to co-habit with a local person.

Licences may be issued subject to conditions; for example a licence granted on the basis of essentiality to the community may specify that only accommodation of a certain rateable value or higher can be occupied, and/or that the licence only applies in relation to the particular employment for which it was granted.

Open market properties can be occupied by a local or a non-local resident. Generally they are occupied by non-locals as they tend to be more expensive than local market houses, although recently price increases at the top end of the local market have resulted in a degree of overlap.

The average open market house can be several times the price of a similar local market house. There are various restrictions on the occupation of open market properties and advice should be obtained before carrying out structural alterations.

Someone who is not entitled to live in the UK (because of immigration restrictions) cannot live in an open market property.