Housing Solutions

 For the period 2023–2027, Guernsey set a requirement for 1,565 new units of accommodation:-

• Private Housing: 844 units
• Affordable Housing: 721 units​

In 2023, Guernsey completed only 168 new dwellings, all within the private sector, falling short of the annual target of 313 homes by 145 units. 

In 2024, the number of new homes built decreased further to 142, with the island's total housing stock increasing by only 72 units that year; only one of which was a new unit of social housing. 

With demand for housing growing, this simply isn't good enough. 

The lack of policy is bringing Guernsey and its residents to its knees. No wonder so much of RPI is linked to the cost of housing. 

• Make it required practice for public sector recruitment plans (e.g. in health, education and law enforcement) to be integrated with housing forecasts.
• Require private sector license applications (especially for essential services) to include a housing impact assessment.

NO NEW HIRES WITHOUT HOUSING ASSURED

(and without displacing anybody from their home)

Cost impact: Minimal
This simply requires existing departments (e.g. Health, Education, Policy & Resources) to collaborate more effectively. 

It’s about breaking silos and integrating planning — not creating new budgets. 

The people and data already exist; it just needs coordination.

• Use dynamic workforce modelling to predict future staffing needs based on demographics, retirement trends and sector growth.
• Tie these projections directly to housing development plans — not just by numbers, but by type (e.g. one-bed units for nurses vs. family homes for teachers).

FUTURE-PROOF HOUSING NEEDS THROUGH UNDERSTANDING FUTURE DEMAND

Cost impact: Low
Guernsey already collects data on population, employment and housing. Enhancing how that data is used — via internal analysis or small improvements to digital tools — is a low-cost administrative upgrade that improves decision-making across the board.

• Introduce a traffic-light system for Employment Permits — only approving new long-term licenses when appropriate accommodation is available or planned.
• Align the timeline of license durations with tenancy availability to reduce housing pressure.

MAKE SYNCHRONISED PLANNING A WAY OF LIFE, NOT LUCK

Cost impact: None
This is a policy alignment, not a new programme. 

The Civil Service already handles Employment Permits. Introducing a system that considers housing availability alongside license approvals doesn’t require new staff or funding — just improved policy design.

• Engage major employers (like HSC and Education) in housing policy discussions to coordinate needs early.
• Explore cost-sharing models where employers co-fund or lease units directly to provide guaranteed housing options for new staff.

A MUCH NEEDED, JOINED-UP APPROACH TO HOUSING NEEDS

Cost impact: None 

(and may reduce States’ housing burden)

Public employers like HSC and Education can be brought into housing conversations already happening. 

In short, this is about doing things differently, not doing more with more money. It’s about using the tools, land and data Guernsey already has — and connecting the dots between workforce needs and housing solutions.

We must ensure that housing remains accessible for long-term residents and essential workers. This could be achieved through the creation of Guernsey-First Housing Zones (GPHZ), taking inspiration from UK and French schemes, prioritising locals for new developments and ensuring that Guernsey remains home to those who are committed to building our community.

• Designate certain developments for local access, ensuring homes remain available to long-term residents, key workers and those with deep ties to the island.
• Devise eligibility criteria, giving priority to those with deep ties to the island.  
• For at least the first 10 years, properties in these zones must remain within the local community. After that period, they can be released to the wider market.
• Developers will benefit from streamlined planning processes and potential reductions in planning fees, minimizing the need for direct government funding.

Cost impact: Minimal 

This policy will leverage existing structures — including the Population Management Office and Planning Authority — ensuring that implementation remains cost-neutral.
 

This approach ensures truly affordable housing for Guernsey’s people while protecting our resources and stimulating responsible development.