As the upper end of the UK property market treads water in advance of Britain’s stuttering exit from the EU, a gentle wave of optimism pervades the Channel Islands.
That, at least, is according to a report from Savills World Research on the state of the residential markets in the Crown Dependencies of Jersey and Guernsey.
Channel Islanders have British nationality and are part of the Common Travel Area of the British Isles, but Jersey and Guernsey have never been part of the EU, although they are part of the EU Customs Union via third-country provisions and agreements signed outside the UK/EU relationship.
This means that the islands’ crucial financial-services sector, which accounts for 22% of employment in both Jersey and Guernsey, can expect its relationship with the EU to continue uninterrupted post-Brexit.
However, although the direct impact of Brexit may be relatively benign, the UK remains the Channel Islands’ main trading partner and a strong City of London is important to the well-being of the islands’ own financial-services industries. This means that the outcome of the Brexit negotiations – whether positive or negative – will still have a knock-on effect on Jersey and Guernsey.
Both islands have long attracted wealthy individuals from the UK and beyond and, thanks to a strong, high-value economic base, the islands’ residential markets proved resilient during the global financial crisis.
Property prices in Jersey grew quickly to a peak in 2008 and have since remained at a consistently high level; more than 1,300 properties were sold in 2017, with the market for houses priced at £2-£3 million and £3 million-plus recording year-on-year growth of 26% and 45% respectively.
Prices in Guernsey have followed a slightly different pattern. They rose to a peak in early 2015, but, due to slower economic growth, fell thereafter by some 12%, before Local Market sales picked up again in the middle of last year.
According to Savills, activity in Guernsey’s Open Market remains muted, but a proposed new tax cap may yet stimulate demand. Effective from 2018, new residents purchasing an Open Market property yielding at least £50,000 document duty (more than £1.5m in value) would benefit from a Guernsey tax-liability cap of £50,000, applicable for four years. The usual upper-limit cap is either £110,000 for income earned in Guernsey or £220,000 on income earned worldwide.
What's more, Savills suggest that price rises in London and the south-east since 2012 have seen prices catch-up and even exceed Channel Islands housing prices: 'Jersey and Guernsey markets appear better value to those looking to move to the islands, whether it be for business or lifestyle, or a combination of the two,' they conclude.
What's on the market right now in Jersey and Guernsey
Grouville, Jersey – £730,000
With a peaceful location in a rural setting, this charming three-bedroom detached cottage would ideally suit a couple or small family.
For sale with Savills. See more pictures and details about this property.
St Helier, Jersey - Price on application
A huge, 10-bedroom Victorian home, recently been used as a guest house, on the outskirts of St. Helier near Havres des Pas. Located a short stroll to the beach and within 15 minutes on foot to the centre of St Helier.
For sale with Hunt Estates. See more pictures and details about this property.
St John, Jersey – £1,750,000
This house dating back to at least the 18th century has had a sympathetic renovation, retaining plenty of original features and character.
It also boasts a heated outdoor swimming pool with separate pool house.
For sale with Savills. See more pictures and details about this property.
St Pierre du Bois, Guernsey – £2,950,000
A stunning, Georgian property totally renovated to the latest specifications, resulting in a magnificent modern home.
For sale with Living Room. See more pictures and details about this property.
St. Martin's, Guernsey – Price on application
For sale with Swoffers. See more pictures and details about this property.
-
'I found myself in a magical world of a sun-dappled forest, speckled with wild flowers of kaleidoscopic colours and brilliant mosses': Solo walking in the PyreneesThe Pyrenees reserves its best treasures for walkers prepared to venture off the well-beaten trail, says Teresa Levonian Cole, on a solo holiday in Ribes de Freser.
-
Rainforests, exotic pets and Winston Churchill's peerage: Country Life Quiz of the Day, July 16, 2025Plus Isaac Newton, the Monopoly board and more in Wednesday's quiz.
-
A one-of-a-kind waterfront estate with two private beaches is for sale on the same storied American island that Jackie Kennedy, the Obamas and Princess Diana have all visitedBeach Farm on Martha’s Vineyard — a favourite summertime holiday destination with prominent American families — is a perfect melding of New England and Scandinavian design styles.
-
The architect who created the MI6 building only designed a tiny handful of houses — and one of them is now up for sale in one of London's most bucolic spotsSir Terry Farrell designed the beautiful, light-filled, T-shaped Drum House in Petersham, with gardens laid out by John Sallis Chandler, who has won multiple RHS Chelsea Flower Show gold medals.
-
'True waterfront homes are finite... miss one and it could be years before you see another like it again': Why the best waterfront property always hits the spotThere’s no denying the appeal of waterfront property, which now sells for some 51% more than its inland equivalent, finds Knight Frank. Annabel Dixon explores the shore.
-
19 charming homes for sale, from picture-perfect cottages to beachside retreats, as seen in Country LifeThis week's selection of some of the best homes to come to the market via Country Life this week.
-
Tim Burton is selling the house he shared with Helena Bonham-Carter, a sublime home on the Thames that comes with three private islandsMill House in Sutton Courtenay, Oxfordshire, might just be the perfect English country home.
-
A spectacular tower for sale that's a blend of Victorian folly, architectural marvel and 21st century family homeHadlow Tower has space, and a back story of love, jealousy and intrigue.
-
A spectacular, light-filled home on the Isle of Wight where you can see the water from practically every windowPenny Churchill takes a look at the grand and impressive Fishbourne Quay House.
-
The former stables — and recording studio for the Pet Shop Boys — transformed with a magical blend of city and country aesthetic, now seeking a new ownerIn the heart of Clerkenwell, what was once a Victorian industrial unit is now a beautiful home.
