The consultants will also engage homeowners directly, as well as estate agents, developers and conveyancers. 

It comes after a high under-occupancy rate was identified in previous reports, particularly in large pensioner homes.  

Deputy Lindsay de Sausmarez, Environment & Infrastructure President, said they want to break the “logjam” to get people into smaller, more manageable and affordable homes, quicker. 

“In 2023, we reported that 55% of Guernsey households had at least one spare bedroom, with 38% having at least two spare bedrooms, a pattern that is understandably even more pronounced among pensioner households. Of course, not everyone who has more bedrooms than they need wants to downsize, and we’re certainly not asking them to. However, at the moment, many of those who do want to move into a smaller property can’t, and that is a problem.” 

Helen Brzozowski, Managing Partner at arc4 Limited, added: “We’d really like to hear from as many people as possible to understand the different reasons why people can’t downsize or choose not to”.  

The survey is available to complete online HERE. Alternatively, a paper copy and pre-paid envelope can be requested by calling the freephone number 0800 4880 223.  

Drop-ins are being held on Monday 9 September, 10:00-15:00 at Castel Douzaine Room, Tuesday 10 September, 10:00-15:00, Saumarez Room at Beau Sejour, and Thursday 12 September, 10:00-15:00, Maple Room at Styx Centre. 

Focus groups are taking place at the end of each session and anyone interested should call to register interest. People can also speak to researchers one-to-one by booking.  

The survey is open until the end of September.