Are you considering living in Jersey?
Moving to a new town or city is never a simple process, especially when it involves a move overseas!
When you don’t know anything about the region you want to call home, relocating can be much more difficult.
If you have decided to relocate to Jersey, you are in the right place!
When considering a move to Jersey, there are several factors to consider, just as with any other new area.
However, certain very special issues that accompany relocating to Jersey may not have been relevant to any of your house moves in the past.
The process of moving home can seem incredibly overwhelming.
Don’t worry; Curtiss Moving & Storage is here to help!
If you are thinking of moving to Jersey, we are here to help.
In this article, we aim to give you a greater understanding of what Jersey is like to live in.
Having a well-rounded knowledge of what you can anticipate when moving to a new area will undoubtedly help with your decision to make the move.
Here are the 7 best reasons to start living in Jersey!
Overview of Jersey
Located in the Bay of St. Malo between England and France, Jersey is the largest of the Channel Islands.
It is a self-governing island with its own judicial and financial institutions that is safeguarded by the UK as a Crown Dependency.
Individuals with significant assets are mostly drawn to the island because of its lenient tax policies.
The relaxed pace of life, close-knit community, and lengthy coastal walks along the beach also draw many families and retirees.
But the island is much more than just a tax haven; there are countless opportunities for nature hikes, coastal drives, boat trips, and water sports.
In Jersey, there is never a shortage of enjoyable things to see and do.
Memorable dining experiences overlooking the marina, relaxing in old maritime pubs, and plenty of live music venues, including the Weekender Festival, are just a few of the amazing options.
Jersey experiences warmer summers and milder winters than the rest of the UK thanks to its southerly location.
No matter where you are, the sea is said to be never more than ten minutes away.
However, expats should be warned that it can be quite difficult to find a house.
While it is not always possible, the majority of people moving here opt to rent before moving, which can be expensive.
We will discuss this in more detail now!
Property Prices in Jersey
Purchase of real estate in Jersey may be subject to limitations based on your resident status.
Before you buy a property, you must have lived in Jersey for 11 years.
As a result, many newcomers opt to rent initially before purchasing.
Rental costs in Jersey are mixed.
They range from an average of £1,455.00 for a one-bedroom flat in, to an average of £2,629.17 for a lovely three-bedroom home (stats from Numbeo).
While allowing families to settle in and gain a feel for the island, this can be a flexible and cost-effective in the short-term solution.
However, it may not be the greatest option for those looking to make the long-term move.
As with its neighbour Guernsey, Jersey has its fair share of expensive properties because the real estate market is set up to satisfy the needs of the upper end of the market.
According to Zoopla, residences in Jersey can range from £1,000,000 up to an eye-watering £22,000,000 for a luxurious 8-bedroom mansion.
The larger country estates are often found towards the north of the island, and any property near St. Helier, the island’s capital, is regarded as prime real estate.
Prices in the lower to middle category range greatly, from basic one-bedroom studio apartments that cost around £190,000 to family detached three-bedroom townhouses that cost roughly £565,000.
Clearly, moving to Jersey is not cheap and house prices across the island have continued to rise in recent years.
According to the BBC, the average price of all types of property in Jersey rose by 11% in 2022 compared with 2021, reaching the highest levels ever recorded.
Cost of Living in Jersey
As you might assume, Jersey has a high cost of living, with consumer costs including rent being roughly 57.5% higher than in the UK.
Nevertheless, the average net salary is 2.7% higher than the rest of the UK, and mortgage rates are a staggering 52.7% less!
A low tax rate of only 5% on goods and services and a maximum personal tax rate of only 20%, with low-income households paying no income tax or a reduced amount, are two further financial advantages of relocating to Jersey.
There is also no capital gains tax when living on the island.
Clearly, there are various financial advantages to living in Jersey.
As a general summary, here are the prices you can expect to pay for food when living in Jersey, according to Numbeo:
- Meal at an inexpensive restaurant-£ 22.50
- Meal for 2 mid-range restaurants £100.00
- Fast food meal-£7.00
- Cappuccino or latte-£3.53
- 1 litre of milk-£1.54
- Loaf of bread-£1.48
- 1kg chicken-£8.66
Working in Jersey
You do not require a work permit to find employment on the island if you are a citizen of the UK or an EU member state.
However, the local job market does prioritise native islanders, long-term inhabitants of over a decade, and officially registered residents.
Despite this, the island’s thriving economy, which boasts a remarkably low unemployment rate, presents various opportunities.
The finance industry is a significant engine of Jersey’s economy, contributing to 40% of its Gross Value Added (GVA), which underscores the island’s status as a financial powerhouse, surpassing the economic output per capita of many developed nations globally.
Employment prospects are diverse, with opportunities available in retail, construction, agriculture, and the tourism and hospitality sectors.
The island has a highly lenient tax policy that benefits businesses and attracts affluent expats, marked by a 20% income tax rate – a stark contrast to the higher rates in the UK.
This tax environment is a key factor in drawing affluent professionals to its shores.
For those seeking to maximise their earnings while enjoying the island’s quality of life, Jersey stands out as an attractive destination.
Healthcare
When relocating, securing healthcare is a top priority, and this holds true in Jersey.
Healthcare provisions in Jersey differ from many other places.
New arrivals are not immediately entitled to free healthcare and must initially arrange for private coverage.
After a residency period of six months, you become eligible to apply for a health card, which entitles you to free prescriptions and reduces the cost of GP consultations.
While emergency medical treatment is provided without charge, hospital stays and treatments do require payment.
It’s also wise to budget for dental care and non-urgent medical treatments.
For certain medical procedures not available on the island, you may need to travel to the UK or France, incurring additional costs for both travel and medical services.
You can check out the gov.je website for more healthcare information.
Schools in Jersey
In general, the curriculum is the same as in the UK, and the island offers education through public schools (with a fee-paying alternative at the secondary level).
There are numerous nurseries, primary, and secondary schools to pick from.
There are also Beaulieu Convent School and De La Salle College, two private schooling options.
The Highlands College in Jersey offers a sixth form, a university centre, and a college of further education.
Clearly, Jersey has plenty of options when it comes to education.
However, be sure to check out all of your options before moving to the island and don’t leave registration to the last minute.
Getting Around Jersey
At just nine by five miles, Jersey’s compact size makes it easy to navigate.
Whether you opt for public transport, cycling, or driving, the island accommodates all preferences.
The comprehensive LibertyBus network services the entire island, ensuring you can reach most destinations with ease.
For convenience, tickets are purchasable directly on the bus or through the LibertyBus app.
Cycling enthusiasts will find Jersey welcoming, with an array of cycle routes catering to various skill levels and bike rentals readily available through numerous local providers.
Drivers should be aware that Jersey maintains its distinct set of road rules, including a maximum speed limit of 40mph.
Additionally, those intending to drive for longer than a year must secure a local driving licence.
Ready to Start Living in Jersey?
Are you thinking of living in Jersey?
Regardless of whether you are moving for the outstanding range of properties or the top-quality schooling options, living in Jersey is a great choice!
If you have made up your mind and are ready to move, we are here to help you get your new journey in Jersey underway.
Here at Curtiss & Sons Portsmouth, we are an experienced and professional removals company that has been helping people moving home since 1871.
If you need help and advice on moving your home or perhaps some questions about your house removals, you can get in touch with us on 023 9298 5830 and our friendly team is here to assist you with your enquiry.
