Here Savills head of residential sales on the island, Stuart Leslie, talks to Jo Stoddart, director of Locate Guernsey, about some of the key things to bear in mind, from drawing up a Guernsey will to re-registering your car.

SL: Not everyone will be aware that Guernsey has a two tier property market. Which type of buyers do you deal with the most?

JS: The vast majority of relocators we deal with come to live on the Open Market – properties that are available to everyone so long as they have a UK or Irish passport or Right of Abode or Settled/Pre-settled status. There is no minimum wealth requirement and no minimum spend on a property, so it’s incredibly straightforward.

SL: How many visits would you recommend for people thinking of making the move?

JS: Relocating is a big life decision, especially if you have lived in one place for several years. It’s important that in the first instance people just get a feel for the island, drive round to look at different areas and stay for a few days. 

Each time you visit you will discover something new and it will inevitably help you to refine your ideas about location and the type and style of property you want. Don’t try to cram too many viewings into one day or even into one trip. 

It’s worth doing your research beforehand so that you have an idea of where on the island you might want to live, but come with an open mind. It also helps to know if you want to be in town or in the countryside or close to the beach.

Bearing in mind the market in Guernsey is relatively small, being prepared to compromise and knowing what your most important criteria are is very helpful.

For those who want an initial taster, Locate Guernsey hosts the Relocate to Guernsey Show in London in October each year. The show brings together a number of professionals that someone considering relocation would typically want to speak to. This year we have Savills exhibiting again and there will also be tax experts, lawyers, pension specialists, education experts and a selection of other businesses.

SL: When it comes to the actual move, what are the practicalities around removals and ensuring the process goes as smoothly as possible?

JS: Items need to be export wrapped when moving to Guernsey as they will be transported by ship to the island. It’s also important to ensure everything is fully insured for replacement value.

It’s worth using a Guernsey removal firm with UK contacts – if you book the removal in Guernsey the cost is free of VAT. The removal firms generally have offices or counterparts in the UK who will come to your home to assess the load.

They will wrap and pack and transport goods to the shippers. They are then unloaded in Guernsey and put into smaller lorries to be delivered to your new home. Most UK removals lorries won’t fit on Guernsey’s narrow roads so this is why it’s done that way round.

SL: If moving with children how far in advance should people apply for schools?

JS: If clients are hoping to put their children into one of the island’s private colleges, it is recommended they contact them as soon as possible to determine whether they have places in the right year groups.

However, if they are looking at places in state schools, parents will need to have found a home first and had an offer accepted. They can then apply to the education department. 

State school places are allocated on a catchment area basis, hence why it’s really important to know where you will be living. You can apply for places up to three months before the children are due to start.

Your children will be allocated a place in the nearest school to where you are living which has space. This does sometimes mean they won’t be able to get a place in their catchment area, but this is rare.

SL: If moving for work purposes is a lot of the paperwork arranged by the employer?

JS: Every employer is different – some will do more for you than others – but ask how much help they will provide. You may be entitled to a relocation allowance to cover some of the hidden costs, for example. Some firms will give you a lump sum to spend how you see fit; others will pay for a property finder to assist you or provide you with practical help as you move; some will have dedicated in-house staff to assist.

If you are entitled to an Employment Permit, the firm will do some of the initial paperwork, although the final part of the permit application will need to be done by the individual. If you require a visa to work in Guernsey, then ask for help from your HR team to find out exactly what you have to do.

Some HR teams will also take care of your registration with the Revenue Service to pay social security and tax contributions, but check how it works in the firm you are joining. In all cases, Locate Guernsey can give you an overview of what’s needed.

SL: What about if you’re bringing a vehicle? Do they need to be registered?

JS: Yes, you do have to re-register any vehicles. It is a straightforward process but you need to have your papers available so that the DVL staff can ascertain the engine size.  

Your first registration fee will depend on the size of the engine and how much of a pollutant the vehicle is considered to be. New residents are advised to re-register as quickly as possible when they arrive on the island.

You also need to exchange your driving licence for a Guernsey licence. It’s important to do this as soon as possible after arrival as if you forget and leave it for longer than 12 months, you will have to re-take your driving test.

SL: What about healthcare? How do you register with a doctor or dentist?

JS: Once you have registered with the Revenue Service and have your GY (social security) number you can register with a local GP practice. However, it is important to note that Guernsey’s primary care system is private, so GP appointments have to be paid for. Secondary care is available free of charge provided that a GP refers the patient. 

Locate Guernsey can provide a lot of additional information about our health system, but it’s also worth finding out if your employer offers private healthcare as part of any benefits package. 

If you already have private healthcare, then you need to check whether your current policy will cover you for Guernsey. There are also local providers who can offer suitable policies.

SL: What about if you want to move with your pets?

JS: Lots of people move with their pets and the vast majority of domestic animals can be brought to Guernsey without any difficulties.

However, it’s worth checking beforehand in case there are any restrictions. It does also depend which country they are coming from as, sometimes, there will be quarantine periods to be respected.

SL: Is there anything else that people should know?  

JS: Once you move you’ll need to make a Guernsey will, as a will from elsewhere will not be valid for any Guernsey-based assets such as your home or any monies held here. When you hire an advocate to deal with a property purchase, it’s worth asking them to draw up a will for you as part of their service.

SL: And finally…once someone has moved to the island what would be your one piece of advice?

JS: Get out and meet people – accept invitations – join clubs – don’t be shy.  Guernsey is extremely friendly and people will want to welcome you to the island and encourage you to become part of the community.

Locate Guernsey also hosts a series of ‘settling-in’ events for those who have just arrived on island so people can meet other relocators, both recent and those who have been here for a while. It’s a really nice way to meet other like-minded people.

Locate Guernsey offers free advice and information to relocators.

The Relocate to Guernsey Show is taking place on Thursday, 9 October at Convene in St Paul's, 200 Aldersgate Street, London.

Further information

Contact Stuart Leslie

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