Although there is still a clear focus on value, transaction levels in both the Local and Open Markets have increased year on year – and there remains strong demand for realistically priced, well-maintained homes.

Greater activity in Local Market

Buyers in the Local Market have gained confidence from greater stability in interest rates and a more favourable mortgage environment.

As a result, a lot of people who sat on their hands last year waiting for things to change appear to have decided that now is the right time to move.

This has led to a significant increase in sales when compared to last year – with the higher end of the market also witnessing some strong activity.

According to the latest property bulletin from the States of Guernsey, there were 261 Local Market sales in the three months to the end of June – 98 more than the previous quarter and 66 more than the same period last year.

The average price paid for a Local Market home meanwhile was £608,844 – 0.8% higher than the previous quarter and 2.1% higher than the same period last year. However, it is still some way off 2023 when prices peaked at £647,889.

Open Market remains strong 

Guernsey’s appeal as a place to live and do business continues to drive Open Market activity, with a lot of buyers still attracted by the island lifestyle and the favourable tax environment.

According to the latest States of Guernsey property bulletin, there were 24 Open Market sales in the three months to the end of June – twice as many as the same period in 2025. The average price paid meanwhile sat at £1.989m.

We expect that level of interest to continue, although a lack of stock could affect momentum.

‘Robust’ rental market

According to the latest States of Guernsey property bulletin the average rental price in the Local Market now sits at £2,138 a month – a drop of 1.5% compared to the first three months of 2026 but 3.1% higher than the same period in 2025.

While average rents have eased slightly compared with the previous quarter, Guernsey's rental market remains robust – with average rental values still more than 3% higher than the same period last year.

The first half of 2026 has seen strong momentum, with just shy of 20% more properties let compared with the same period in 2025.

However, there remains a fundamental lack of stock and demand continues to outstrip supply across both the Local and Open Markets, particularly for well-presented family homes and centrally located apartments.

Market outlook

The summer months are traditionally a little quieter, but we have continued to experience strong levels of interest throughout July and August – with several enquiries from buyers and renters looking to relocate later this year or early 2027.

Much may also depend on what happens when new UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham and his Chancellor of the Exchequer John Healey announce their budget in October.

For the time being we are looking forward to a busy end of the year.