Against a backdrop of continued economic and political uncertainty in the UK and elsewhere, the property market here in Guernsey has remained reassuringly robust – with activity supported by those with a clear reason to move.

Demand is undoubtedly more measured, but realistically priced, well-maintained homes are selling well.

Where values have aligned with buyers’ expectations we have achieved some notable transactions, with more deals also being achieved closer to the guide price compared to last year and the year before.

Open Market

Demand has been particularly strong in the Open Market, with activity largely driven by buyers influenced by the UK’s Autumn Budget and those preparing for the end of the tax year.

The latest figures from the States of Guernsey reveal that 28 Open Market sales took place in the three months to the end of September, equalling the busiest quarter recorded so far this year.

This level of activity continued throughout October, and the island has now recorded more Open Market sales than for the whole of 2025 put together.

With a fair wind it looks likely we should surpass 100 sales by the end of the year, which is a promising sign for 2027.

Local Market 

Activity in the Local Market has been slightly less frenetic, although still stable.

The States of Guernsey property update shows there were 199 Local Market transactions in the three months to September – 62 fewer than the previous quarter and 10 fewer than the same period in 2025. 

The fall in the number of sales quarter on quarter is not unexpected as it coincides with the quieter summer holidays, and year on year the figures are broadly similar.

Average values also appear to have stabilised. According to the States of Guernsey, the average purchase price for Local Market property in the three months to September was £613,694 – 0.8% higher than the previous quarter and 3.6% higher than the same time last year. The figure is also 10.7% higher than five years previously.

‘Resilient’ rental market

According to the latest States of Guernsey property bulletin the average rental price in the Local Market now sits at £2,134 a month – a drop of 0.2% compared to the previous quarter but 1.1% higher than the same period in 2025.

The latest figures highlight a resilient market, with average rents broadly stable quarter-on-quarter and slightly higher than a year ago.

Demand continues to outstrip supply for quality rental properties, which is helping to support values despite a more moderate pace of growth.

Well-presented homes remain highly sought after and are attracting significant interest from prospective tenants – particularly among relocating professionals and families.

A look ahead

What, then, can we expect for 2027? Recent experience has shown it would be foolish to do too much crystal ball gazing. But most of the trends we’ve seen over the last 12 months look likely to continue.

We expect the Open Market to remain busy as people evaluate their next move in light of changes to the political and economic landscape.

Higher intertest rates and the increased cost of borrowing could well effect activity in the Local Market, but it should remain steady – with demand driven by needs-based buyers in the short term.

Life goes on, and it is our families, careers and personal finances that ultimately drive decisions to move.

Ultimately, progress will matter more than perfection and correct pricing will remain crucial for those hoping to sell – with those who set expectations to a more realistic level achieving a quicker sale.