Are you considering living in Guernsey?
Relocating to a new area is never a simple process and this particular move is made increasingly more difficult when your move is overseas.
Moving can be made a lot more challenging when you don’t know much about the area you are considering moving to.
If you are thinking of moving to Guernsey then this is the page for you!
As with moving to any new area, there are numerous factors that you should take into account when relocating to Guernsey.
However, thanks to its unique location, there are also some very distinct characteristics of moving to Guernsey that you may not have had to consider before!
The moving to Guernsey process can seem especially daunting.
There is no need to worry.
Curtiss Moving & Storage are here to help!
If you are thinking of moving to Guernsey, we are at hand to assist you!
In this article, we hope to provide you with a better sense of what Guernsey is like.
Having a good understanding of what you can expect when relocating to a new area will certainly help with your decision to move there.
Here are the best reasons to start living in Guernsey!
Stunning Natural Beauty
Guernsey is a stunning island in the English Channel that offers numerous attractions for potential residents, not least its stunning scenery!
The island boasts some breathtaking natural beauty that captivates both residents and visitors alike.
Outdoor enthusiasts will find Guernsey a perfect backdrop with its gorgeous sandy beaches, rugged cliffs, and lush rolling hills.
Some of the finest sandy beaches, such as Vazon Bay and Petit Bot Bay, are perfect for family outings, picnics, and sunbathing.
Whether you enjoy a leisurely coastal walk, engaging in water sports, or simply soaking in the serene environment, Guernsey’s natural beauty is sure to amaze you.
Quality of Life
Living in Guernsey means enjoying a high standard of living.
The island boasts low crime rates, an idyllic setting and a strong sense of community.
Guernsey offers its locals a comfortable and fulfilling lifestyle thanks to its great infrastructure, first-rate healthcare system, and high educational standards.
Moving to the island may pose some major differences from living on the mainland, but there are plenty of factors that ensure your quality of life will improve when moving here!
Employment Opportunities
Guernsey boasts a robust and diverse economy, offering a wide range of employment prospects for those considering relocating to the island.
While the island is renowned for its financial services sector, it also excels in areas such as tourism, agriculture, and digital technology.
Thanks to its favourable business environment and dynamic entrepreneurial spirit, Guernsey provides ample opportunities for professional growth and success.
For those contemplating a move to Guernsey, including remote workers, the island offers numerous job opportunities.
Guernsey is an ideal place for remote work.
The island supports remote working with excellent infrastructure, including dependable internet connections and an array of coworking spaces!
Transport
You may think that Guernsey is a tricky place to get to and from, especially if you have never visited the island before!
Despite its location, Guernsey is easily accessible from major UK airports thanks to frequent flights to the island.
Ferry services also offer an alternate mode of transportation for people who want to go across the English Channel with their own cars.
Thanks to the relative ease of access, locals can easily stay in touch with their loved ones, friends, and business associates no matter where they are in the UK!
Transport links are also very good once you arrive in Guernsey.
Driving in Guernsey is similar to the rest of the UK.
The network of roads ensures you are able to navigate the whole island with relative ease.
However, one key difference you may notice when moving to Guernsey is the coastal roads!
Guernsey’s rural and coastal roads offer breathtaking scenery of the island but can be particularly narrow and winding.
Take extra care when driving on these roads and enjoy some of the stunning scenery!
The island has a well-developed public transportation system, including a network of buses and plenty of taxis to help you get around.
These options can provide convenient and reliable transportation around the island, especially for those who prefer not to drive.
Education in Guernsey
The island’s educational system offers an additional attraction for families thinking about relocating to the area.
Guernsey provides a selection of top-notch educational facilities, including public, private, and foreign exchange schools.
There won’t be too many changes to the education system if you are moving from the mainland UK, with the island following the British education system.
This means that compulsory education in Guernsey starts at the age of 5 and continues until the age of 16.
For more information about the schools on offer in Guernsey, check out The Good Schools Guide.
The commitment of the island to education ensures that students get a thorough and all-encompassing educational experience.
Buying a Home in Guernsey
If you are thinking of living in Guernsey, it’s important to note that property ownership on the island is governed by a system known as “Local Market” and “Open Market.”
The local market makes up the vast majority of the island’s homes.
If a person was born in Guernsey or has ancestry on the island, they are eligible to purchase and live in one of these residences.
You can also buy from this specific market if you have been on the island for an extended period of time.
If you have a work permit and have been hired for a crucial full-time position, you may also make the most of the local market.
If you don’t meet these criteria you will have to use the open market to purchase your home.
The cost of buying a home is higher on the open market than it is on the local market.
Passport holders from the UK can purchase a property through this market, you will also be eligible for the open market if you have been granted an Investor or Entrepreneur visa.
No job permit or minimum income criteria is necessary for someone living in an Open Market property to live and work on the island indefinitely.
The Property Market
Whilst there are some clear differences when it comes to purchasing a home in Guernsey compared to the rest of the UK, the property market is still very strong!
When it comes to house prices in Guernsey, they can vary depending on factors such as location, property type, size, and condition.
Guernsey’s property market has historically seen very strong demand, which has contributed to price growth over time.
This growth is very evident when you look at the average house prices across the island.
Average house prices on the island were £609,362 in the last quarter of 2023, 47.5% higher than five years previously.
This was however 4.5% lower than 12 months before, meaning it could be a great time to consider getting on the property market!
When it comes to rent, there has been nothing but increases.
In the final quarter of 2023, the average rental cost for Local Market properties rose by 11.4%, reaching £1,922 per calendar month.
Living in Guernsey means buyers are investing in a very strong housing market, with plenty of opportunities regardless of your budget.
Taxes
One of the key advantages of relocating to Guernsey is its appealing tax regime.
Upon your arrival, it’s necessary to register with the Guernsey Income Tax Department.
As an autonomous dependency, Guernsey is not required to levy capital gains tax, inheritance tax, or VAT (Value Added Tax).
Furthermore, Guernsey’s income tax rate is relatively low compared to many other nations.
To summarise, the income tax is set at 20%, there is no VAT, no council tax, and earnings up to the first £10,000 are tax-free!
Undoubtedly, Guernsey presents an enticing option for those considering tax implications.
Ready to Start Living in Guernsey?
Are you thinking of living in Guernsey?
No matter if you are relocating for tax benefits, the excellent range of properties or the stunning scenery, living in Guernsey is a fantastic choice!
If you have made up your mind and are ready to move, we are here to help you get your new journey in Guernsey underway.
Here at Curtiss & Sons Portsmouth, we are an experienced and professional removals company that has been helping people move 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.
