Rental accommodation sparse as Guernsey fills up

Wednesday 20 January 2021

The number of houses for rent in Guernsey has dropped to a new low, making it very difficult for people looking for accommodation in the island.

Swoffers Lettings Negotiator Laura Gorvel spoke to Express about Guernsey’s housing market, which has boomed since lockdown, with house prices soaring and “huge numbers of viewings on individual properties.”

House prices rose by 12% in 2020 and many people moved out of their homes into rented accommodation, while looking for their next purchase.

This, coupled with a influx of people moving back to Guernsey, has seen rented accommodation stock fall to a new low.

Pictured: People who may have been planning on coming back to Guernsey in the future have sped up their plans during the corona virus pandemic, leading to a boom in the housing market. 

"It’s very difficult for a lot of people right now, whether it’s younger people looking to move out of their family home, or people who have sold their home and need somewhere to live while they find a new one,” said Ms Gorvel.

It’s a situation being seen by estate agents across the island.

“There has definitely been an increased demand [for rental properties],” said Director of Lettings and Management at Cooper Brouard, Cathy Gallienne.

“People coming back to the island has increased demand – it’s very busy.”

Pictured: There are more people looking for rental properties, than there are properties on the market.

Estate agents are asking people to consider buying to let or renting out any property they might have empty.

“It’s simply getting busier and busier," said Ms Gallienne. "If you’re thinking of becoming a landlord, we are ready and waiting for you."

Pictured top: “After this year, it’s simply crazy, I can’t predict what will happen next,” said Ms Gallienne.