Housing information

In an island 9 miles long by 5 miles wide with captivating coastlines and wooded valleys, it is understandable that property is much in demand. Similarly, the range to properties available is as diverse as the island itself from luxury waterfront apartments and historic Cod Houses to picturesque granite farmhouses.

The availability of housing stock to new residents is currently controlled through Housing RegulatIons established under the Housing (Jersey) Law 1949 ('the Housing Law'). Whilst this law is expected to remain in force for the foreseeable future, the island's parliament is committed to reviewing the existing requirements and it is widely anticipated that further relaxation of the Housing Regulations will occur in due course.

In summary, there are currently three broad categories of housing defined under the Housing Law:

1.       'A to H' properties - which are only available to local residentially-qualified persons

A-H – local residents qualifying on basis of length of residency in Jersey.  For newcomers the qualifying period is 12 years.  For Jersey born people an aggregated 10 year period is required.

2.       'J Category' properties - which are available to ‘essentially employed' individuals

Under the Housing Regulations, the local authorities have the ability to grant 'J Category' consent to persons whose employment in the island is deemed to be essential. In practice, the factors taken into account in making this assessment include the expected economic contribution of the employer, the ability, qualifications and experience of the proposed employee, the importance of the post and availability of suitable candidates from within the existing labour market.

In line with the policy shift described previously, the island authorities have demonstrated an increased willingness to grant 'J Category' consents to employees of new businesses which meet the criteria for establishing a presence in the island. Particularly, if it can be demonstrated that the individual brings a particular area of expertise, or that the planned position cannot readily be filled from within Jersey's existing labour force.

For financial services businesses, 'J Category' licences are usually granted for an initial five year period. The accommodation occupied by the ‘J Category’ licence holder is normally leased or purchased in the name of the employer and the licence is conditional upon the individual remaining in the post for which the licence was originally granted.

For very senior people, particularly those with equity in their business, it is usually possible to extend the licence beyond the initial period for a further five years, provided the business plan set out with their original proposal is broadly accurate. This effectively gives those senior people similar housing rights to locals.

It is anticipated that over the coming years further reforms of the Housing Law are likely to replace the ‘J Category’ system with a form of migration policy, potentially an even more attractive regime for businesses wishing to set up in the island.

3.       '1(1)K' properties - which are available to individuals whose residence in the island 'can be justified on social or economic grounds' (i.e. typically high net worth individuals).

There is currently no prescribed limit on the number of 1(1)K consents the Housing Minister may grant each year, although in practice, the number tends to be small. Each application is considered by the Minister on its own merits, with regards to factors such as:

• The individual’s likely contribution to tax revenues
• The business/social background of the applicant and their likely business activities (if any) in Jersey
• The number of dependants and the extent to which these persons may in time acquire residential qualifications in their own right
• Other non-economic benefits which the island may obtain if consent is granted.

Successful 1(1)K applicants will retain their residential status as long as they remain resident in Jersey. They may only purchase property which has been classified or approved as suitable for their occupation (in practice, such properties are priced around £1 million or more). 

Unqualified properties

Unqualified individuals who do not have one of the above qualifications can only occupy properties classified as unqualified. The majority of people who come to work in Jersey are restricted to living in ‘unqualified’ accommodation. This could be accommodation in a registered Lodging House, or in private lodgings as a form of ‘house share’ (a residentially qualified occupier may accommodate up to five persons for reward).  An Agreement and Code of Practice for Landlords and Lodgers, which is a compulsory requirement for registration as a Lodging house, has been recently introduced.

However, the market has greatly expanded over the last few years and the range of unqualified accommodation has increased significantly. 

In terms of costs, unqualified accommodation is generally a little more expensive than qualified and is roughly equivalent to London prices.

Most HR departments hold a list of estate agents/accommodation agencies and will be happy to assist in finding suitable accommodation for those new to the island. The local paper (Jersey Evening Post) has a large section of rental properties on a daily basis – www.thisisjersey.com

Or larger firms have relocation agents that will be able to assist in to whole process from moving house, to finding properties or schools for children.  

Fuller details on Housing Law are available from the Population Office, tel 448905

For more information contact the Population Office:   

T: +44 (0)1534 445510