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With its beautiful coastline, wonderful sense of community, rich heritage and a general high quality of life, it is little wonder that Guernsey continues to be an attractive place to live and work.

Located 48km from France and approximately 120km from England, the island measures just 10km long with an area of 62 sq km. The second largest of the Channel Islands, it is home to a little over 64,000 people and is made up of 10 parishes, each with their own distinct character and charm.

As a British Crown Dependency, Guernsey retains strong links to the UK, but has its own self-governing legislature – the States of Guernsey – that determines local laws, including those around property, taxation and the economy.

What makes Guernsey so special?

Residents of Guernsey enjoy an enviable work/life balance.

From rugged granite cliffs and sandy coves, to picturesque fields grazed by its iconic dairy herds, a lot of time is spent outdoors enjoying the delights of the surrounding countryside. With no fewer than 27 named beaches you can enjoy a coastal walk or a dip in the sea within minutes of leaving home, school or the office.

The island is also considered very safe; blessed with a close knit and friendly community. Yet a stable business environment, world-leading finance sector and first class professional services ensure these traditional values are matched by an increasingly cosmopolitan feel.

Whether it’s a spot of retail therapy, the latest gastronomic delights, sports, music or the arts, the island does not disappoint. It’s also great for wildlife. Depending on the time of year you can see puffins, grey seals and dolphins (although you won’t find any squirrels, foxes or badgers as they never made it across the English Channel).

Schooling

Guernsey has a range of excellent schools that offer a broad and diverse curriculum for toddlers and teenagers alike.

The island is home to 16 state-run primary schools, with places allocated according to parish catchment areas. There are also three primary schools affiliated to its independent colleges, two Catholic primary schools and two primary schools for children with special educational needs.

For older children there are three high schools (Les Beaucamps, Les Varendes and St Sampsons), the three independent colleges (the girls-only Ladies College and co-educational Elizabeth College and Blanchelande College) and two special educational needs schools.

Post-16 education is offered through The Guernsey Institute (TGI), made up of the College of Further Education, the Institute for Health and Social Care Studies and the GTA University Centre.

Similar to the UK, all schools and colleges are subject to inspection through Ofsted or the Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI) and offer a variety of extra-curricular activities, from sports and music through to dance, drama and youth groups.

Entertainment and culture

Whether it’s a traditional event like La Viaër Marchi, an agricultural show or an array of heritage, food, music and walking festivals, Guernsey has plenty going on.

Central to island life is St Peter Port – known as ‘Town’ to locals. The island’s ‘capital’ has retained much of its traditional charm, with small boutiques, independent retailers and gift shops complemented by well-known chain stores, as well as regular markets and events that offer local suppliers the chance to sell their produce. Outside of St Peter Port, ‘the Bridge’ in St Sampson’s or St Martin’s village offer shoppers further choice.

As you might expect from an island, a lot of people spend time outdoors on the water and by the coast. Fermain Bay in the east and Cobo Bay to the west are two of the most popular beaches, but venture off the beaten track and it’s easy to find a hidden gem such as Marble Bay, known for its seclusion, pebbly beach and crystal-clear waters that make it perfect for a peaceful swim or serene picnic.

For the more energetic there are plenty of sailing clubs, alongside kayaking, windsurfing and paddle boarding. Those who prefer to keep their feet on dry land are also well catered for, with football, rugby, golf and tennis clubs to name just a few.

With prehistoric dolmens, neolithic standing stones and fortresses and castles that include several Second World War gun batteries, Guernsey is steeped in history. There are plenty of museums and sites of interest to explore – including the former home of French poet and novelist Victor Hugo who was exiled to Guernsey in 1855 for opposing Napoleon III and wrote some of his most celebrated works including Les Misérables at Hauteville House in St Peter Port.

Island hopping and paying a visit to the sister islands of Herm and Sark (both of which are car free) along with neighbouring Alderney is also a must.

Food and drink

From world-famous dairy cows and an abundance of fresh seafood, to sun ripened tomatoes and sweet tasting strawberries – Guernsey has a fine selection of local produce that has helped forge the island’s vibrant culinary scene.

Whether it’s a succulent steak at Red grill house, authentic Italian cuisine at Otto, the exceptional seafood of Nautique or the sea views of Pier 17 – there is something to suit all tastes. If having a cup of coffee or a Guernsey cream tea is more your style them Coco, Muse, Christies and Dix Neuf are very good cafes.

To celebrate local producers the Channel Islands plays host to the Tennerfest food festival every October, where many eateries run special set menus.

And it doesn’t just stop at food. Guernsey has several breweries and a cider farm producing a selection of craft beers and the popular Rocquette cider.

Buying and renting a property in Guernsey

Guernsey has two separate property markets. The Local Market applies to most of the properties on the island and these can only be bought by people who qualify as local residents – either through birth or a familial connection. Employment permit holders – recruited to fill essential full-time posts – can also access this market.

Open Market properties make up roughly 7% of all housing stock on the island. These properties can be bought by anyone who holds a British or Irish passport or who has the right to live in the UK.

There are no wealth tests or governmental assessments to meet and no need for an employment permit. Once a buyer has found an Open Market property they then apply for an Open Market Resident Certificate via Guernsey’s Population Management Office.

A person who is not a British citizen or Irish passport holder, or does not have the right to remain in the UK, and who is moving for reasons other than full-time employment, needs to apply for immigration clearance.

Average asking prices in Guernsey

The States of Guernsey publishes regular property price updates for the island. At the end of September 2024 the average price for a Local Market property sat at £609,723, while on the Open Market it was £1,958,000. Comparatively speaking, there are relatively few transactions on the Open Market every year, so prices can vary, with many properties in excess of the average.

Travel from Guernsey

Travel times on Guernsey are very short. It’s possible to drive round the whole island in about an hour.

Guernsey Airport meanwhile runs regular flights to several UK cities including London Gatwick, London City, Southampton, Birmingham, Manchester, Newcastle and Edinburgh, as well as Jersey, Dublin and Charles de Gaulle in Paris.

There are also two ferry routes that operate between Guernsey and England, with 12 services a week to and from either Poole or Portsmouth. A high speed service operates between St Malo in France, Guernsey and Poole.

Foot passenger services operate between Guernsey and Jersey, as well as regular services to Sark, Herm and Alderney.

APPROXIMATE TRAVEL TIMES

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