In Focus: a guide to Jersey

The Savills Blog

In Focus: a guide to Jersey

The largest of the Channel Islands – yet still measuring just nine miles long by five miles wide – Jersey is blessed with beautiful beaches, a strong sense of community and rich history.

A self-governing dependency of the British Crown, it has strong links to the UK but manages its own fiscal, administrative and legal systems through the Government of Jersey. 

With a population of a little over 100,000, the island is made up of 12 parishes – all of which are different and have their individual character and traditions. The largest of these is St Helier, Jersey’s ‘capital’ and centre of retail and commerce.

While the official language is English, many of the street names are French and about 3% of the population speaks a French patois called Jèrriais. 

For such a small island, Jersey punches above its weight when it comes to business – establishing itself as one of the most successful international finance centres in the world and fostering thriving legal, digital and creative industries.

This growth has attracted a young and vibrant workforce in recent years that gives the island a wonderfully cosmopolitan feel – making it a popular choice for those relocating from the UK and other parts of Europe in particular.

What makes Jersey so special?

The work-life balance in Jersey is second to none. Considered a safe and secure place to live and work, with a friendly close-knit community, it’s especially attractive for those with young children.

The quality of schooling is excellent, and for those who love the outdoors you can be at the beach within minutes of leaving home or the office, no matter where you are on the island. 

St Brelade’s Bay with its water sports and café-lined promenade is popular with families and holidaymakers alike, while the neighbouring cove of Portelet Bay has white sandy beaches and a wonderful pizza restaurant perfect for refuelling ahead of a trek back up the cliff.

There is also a vibrant social scene, with a great selection of bars, pubs and restaurants, while the island has a strong tradition in music and the arts.

For those who want to travel there is excellent connectivity, with direct flights to London and other European destinations. Many people work remotely, visiting the UK mainland perhaps once or twice a week.

Schooling

There are three types of school in Jersey – non fee-paying government schools, part government-funded fee-paying schools and private fee-paying schools – all of which run a broad and diverse curriculum.

As in 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. 

There are 32 primary schools on the island (seven private) and 12 secondary schools (three private). Highlands College is Jersey’s largest sixth form and works with a range of higher education providers including the Open University, University of Plymouth and London South Bank University.

History, culture and entertainment

Jersey has played many roles over the years – from strategic Viking stronghold to valuable island outpost, fought for by the English and French, as well as occupied by German forces during the Second World War.

From ancient burial grounds to forts, farmhouses, tunnels and bunkers, evidence of its past can be found across the island with some sites dating back thousands of years. 

One of the most visited (and photographed) is Elizabeth Castle in St Aubin’s Bay. The fortification has protected Jersey for more than 400 years and was named after Queen Elizabeth I by Sir Walter Raleigh when he was Governor of Jersey from 1600 until 1603.

The island’s cultural scene complements – and is often inspired by – the island’s heritage. Annual events include the Jersey Boat Show, Jersey Live Festival, the Battle of Flowers, Jersey International Air Display, Liberation International Music Festival, the Jersey Festival of Words and Jersey Eisteddfod, a festival that celebrates the creative arts. 

Jersey Arts Centre also has a full programme of visual and performing arts, while Jersey Opera House is set to reopen later this year following a £12.7m refurbishment.

Food and drink

From iconic dairy cows and prized Royal potatoes, through to the abundance of fresh shellfish found off its shores, Jersey is spoilt for choice when it comes to quality local produce.

The Taste of Jersey food festival runs every year and celebrates the finest cuisine, while the Genuine Jersey Mark is a guarantee of local provenance. 

And with more than 400 bars and eateries across the island – including several Michelin-starred restaurants – there is plenty of opportunity to sample its gastronomic delights.

Personal favourites include Samphire, which offers an excellent menu of contemporary cuisine perfect for a special occasion and is especially cosy over the winter months; traditional Italian La Capannina; and foodie restaurant Pêtchi, which cooks local produce over fire – just be sure to book in advance.

Buying a property in Jersey

Jersey has two types of property – ‘qualified’ and ‘non-qualified’.

‘Non-qualified’ homes make up a small proportion of residential property on the island and there are no employment or wealth requirements linked to a purchase.

The majority of homes are available through the ‘qualified’ market – and potential homeowners must meet certain criteria.

Buyers are eligible according to local connections, essential employment or tax contribution and there are four residential statuses that determine where they can live and work: entitled, licensed, entitled for work and registered.

Once residency requirements are met there is a superb choice of property on offer, ranging from chic apartments and cottages to traditional granite farmhouses and sizeable estates.

Average property prices in Jersey

According to the latest figures from the Government of Jersey, the average price of a property was £581,000 at the end of September 2024.

When looked at in more detail, the average price for a one-bedroom flat was £306,000, a two-bedroom flat £507,000, a two-bedroom house £618,000, a three-bedroom house £749,000 and a four bedroom home £1,127,000.

Travel to and from Jersey

Jersey offers an easy commute to work. Many islanders choose to walk, cycle or catch the bus as journey times are very short. 

For travel further afield there are 12 flights a day to and from London airports, as well as regular flights to various destinations in Europe including Dublin, Dusseldorf, Faro (Portugal), Madeira, Lanzarote, Majorca, Malaga, Munich, Zadar (Croatia) and Zurich. 

You can also get to and from Jersey by ferry via the UK (Poole or Portsmouth) and France (St Malo, Granville and Carteret).


APPROXIMATE TRAVEL TIMES 

By air

  • London Gatwick / London Heathrow – from one hour 
  • Birmingham – from one hour five mins 
  • Southampton – from 50 mins 
  • Guernsey – 20 mins
  • Edinburgh – from one hour 35 mins
  • Dusseldorf – from one hour 20 mins 
  • Faro, Portugal – from two hours 30 mins
  • Zurich – from four hours and 10 mins

By ferry 

  • Poole – from four hours 
  • Portsmouth – from 10 hours 20 mins
  • Guernsey – from two hours 50 mins
  • St Malo – from one hour 25 mins
  • Granville – from one hour 20 mins 
  • Carteret – from one hour 20 mins
Properties

Further information

Contact Geri O’Brien

Contact Savills Jersey

Recommended articles