Buying Property in Jersey
Following the end of the Second World War, the Island experienced an influx of new residents which placed increased demand on the available stock of residential property, with the effect that property prices rose dramatically. In order to safeguard against further dramatic increases in price and the possibility of there being insufficient residential property available for future generations of local people, the States introduced the Housing (Jersey) Law, 1949.
Following another influx of newcomers to the Island during the late sixties, the States introduced the Housing (General Provision) (Jersey) Regulations, 1970, These Regulations, which have been subject to amendment over time, exist to identify those persons to whom consent may be granted.
In general terms, the Housing Law and Regulations provide that every sale or lease of land in the Island must have the prior consent of the Housing Committee. Failure to comply with this provision is a criminal offence and can result in the parties being prosecuted in the Royal Court.
The exception to these regulations are Share Transfer properties, which are mainly apartments. Everyone is eligible to purchase these properties - but you would require Housing Qualification in order to reside in the property
For further advice and guidance telephone the Population Office on (01534) 445510
or go to www.housing.gov.je