Moving to Guernsey?

What you need to know about the Open and Local Market

At the same time, the island offers a relaxed and friendly lifestyle with plenty of outdoor activities.

If you are considering relocating to Guernsey, you might have heard about our so-called “two-tier” housing market, which is unique to the island. The market is divided into Local Market and Open Market properties, each with its own rules.

Local Market properties

A property described as “Local Market” is restricted to individuals born in Guernsey, who have lived here for a certain number of years, or who hold a valid housing Permit or Certificate. Individuals can obtain a housing Permit or Certificate if they come to the island to fill a position experiencing a shortage of suitable “local” candidates.

Open Market properties

There are about 1,600 Open Market properties on the island which, as the name suggests, can be occupied by those who do not meet the criteria to live in a Local Market property. If you are relocating to Guernsey, you will probably look for an Open Market property on Part A of the Housing Register. A property in this category is a private house, as opposed to properties on other parts of the Register, which are for hotels, nursing homes and lodging houses.

Who can live and work in Guernsey?

To live in Guernsey, you must, in addition to meeting immigration requirements, occupy the property as per the Population Management Law. To begin, everyone must have a Certificate or Permit issued under the Population Management Law to show they are allowed to live and/or work here.

Individuals entitled to live in Guernsey and who can undertake any employment here will be issued a Certificate. A Permit allows an individual to live and work in Guernsey provided certain conditions are met – for example, they will work for a particular employer or live with a named individual. The Permit application process is relatively straightforward.

As the owner of an Open Market house, you may be named the “householder” for the purposes of the Population Management Law. As the householder, you will be issued an Open Market Resident Certificate. Your immediate and extended family will also be able to apply for a Permit, which will be conditional upon them living with you at the Open Market property.

If you are considering relocating to Guernsey, please email or call a member of the Ogier property team on gsy@ogierproperty.com or +44 1481 721672.

A

well maintained and smartly presented detached family home located at the end of a quiet private road on the outskirts of Town.

Hambleton House offers large bright rooms including a large sitting room, formal dining room and a lovely kitchen/breakfast room and snug area creating a great family space to both relax and entertain in. On the first floor there are four double bedrooms, the principal bedroom boasting an ensuite dressing room and bathroom. On the second floor is a large attic space which can be adapted to suit your personal requirements, whether it be an office, playroom or simply enjoy roof top views towards Sark. A lovely home in a central yet off road location, walking distance of St Peter Port business and financial centre.

Property details

Sitting room, dining room, snug, kitchen/ breakfast room, playroom/office, 4 bedrooms (1 with ensuite dressing room and bathroom), bathroom, shower room, separate wc. Garage, parking and gardens.

2 Choisi

An impressive Regency home.

This impressive Regency home offers elegantly proportioned beautifully presented accommodation. Well maintained and welcoming, the property boasts many original features, complemented by sympathetic modern additions which house the stunning kitchen and impressive study. The property offers in excess of 7,000 square feet of accommodation, including 7 double bedrooms, 6 reception rooms and numerous storage areas, including a wine cellar and workshop. There is ample parking, an enclosed lawned rear garden and a further one bedroomed detached local market cottage at the rear of the property.

Property details

Drawing room, morning room, dining room, kitchen/breakfast room, office, media room, games room, bedroom 1 with en suite dressing room and bathroom, 6 further bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, boot room, store, wine cellar, laundry room, workshop, 2 separate wcs.

£5,750,000

Apartment 2 Carrick House Price on application

This exquisite third floor apartment offers a stylish open plan kitchen/ living area opening on to two large balcony terraces boasting views out over Havelet Bay, Castel Cornet and the neighbouring Islands.

Apartment 2 offers two bedrooms, both of which have ensuite bath/shower rooms and dressing area with fitted wardrobes along with a useful utility cupboard and guest wc the property offers a total footprint of 2,100 sq ft (196 sq m) of opulent living whilst enjoying fabulous views.

There is allocated underground parking for two cars which is accessed through a secure gate, lift access to the upper floors from the main entrance hallway and a useful private store.

Property details

Open plan kitchen/living room with balcony, bedroom 1 with ensuite dressing room and bathroom, bedroom 2 with ensuite shower room – both share a balcony, utility, separate wc. Storeroom and underground parking for 2 cars.