About Jersey's housing laws 

General housing information

In an island 9 miles long by 5 miles wide with captivating coastlines and wooded valleys, it is understandable that property is much in demand. Similarly, the range of properties available is as diverse as the island itself. From luxury waterfront apartments and historic Cod Houses to picturesque granite farmhouses whose very walls have witnessed centuries of Jersey history.

Given Jersey's small size (approximately 45 square miles), its attractive environment and the high standard of living enjoyed by its residents, it is perhaps unsurprising that accommodation in the island is always in demand. The availability of housing stock to new residents is currently controlled through Housing RegulatIons established under the Housing (Jersey) Law 1949 ('the Housing Law'). Whilst this law is expected to remain in force for the foreseeable future, the island's parliament is committed to reviewing the existing requirements and it is widely anticipated that further relaxation of the Housing Regulations will occur in due course.

In summary, there are currently three broad categories of housing defined under the Housing Law:

• 'A to H' properties - which are only available to local residentially-qualified persons
• 'J Category' properties - which are available to ‘essentially employed' individuals
• '1(1)K' properties - which are available to individuals whose residence in the island 'can be justified on social or economic grounds' (ie typically high net worth individuals)

All property sales and leases require the consent of the Housing Minister. Additional considerations in respect of J Category and 1(1)K residency are set out later in this brochure.

Renting or buying a property (home and community section)

High value residents - 1(1)K licences

1(1)K licences are granted to high value residents. There is no prescribed limit on the number of 1(1)K consents the Housing Minister may grant each year, although in practice, the number tends to be small. Each application is considered by the Minister on its own merits, with regard to factors such as:

• the individual's likely contribution to tax revenues
• the business / social background of the applicant and their likely business activities (if any) in Jersey
• other non-economic benefits which the Island may obtain if consent is granted.

Successful 1(1)K applicants will retain their residential status as long as they remain resident in Jersey. They may only purchase property which has been classified or approved as suitable for their occupation. In practice, such properties are priced around £1 million or more.

Essential employees - J Category

Under the Housing Regulations, the local authorities have the ability to grant 'J Category' consent to persons whose employment in the Island is deemed to be essential. In practice, the factors taken into account in making this assessment include the expected economic contribution of the employer and / or employee, the ability, qualifications and experience of the proposed person, the importance of the post and availability of suitable candidates from within the existing labour market.

Island authorities have demonstrated an increased willingness to grant 'J Category' consents to principals or employees of new businesses which meet the criteria for establishing a presence in the Island. Particularly, if it can be demonstrated that the individual brings a particular area of expertise, or that the planned position cannot readily be filled from within Jersey's existing labour force.

If you are considering moving yourself and your business to the Island and would like to consider a J-category consent, please contact the Inward Investment team at Locate Jersey for further information.

Locate Jersey website

Essentially employed residents (home and community section)