Guernsey's Housing Market in 'Systemic Failure'

A new report says housing in Guernsey is the least affordable in western Europe.

The report by Arc4 for the Environment Committee shows Guernsey's average house purchase price to earnings ratio sits at 16.3, which is more than three times the affordability ratio of 3.5 to 4.75.

This is mirrored in the rental sector, with around half of a tenant's income spent on accommodation. That's double the affordable threshold of 25-35%.

Recommendations to tackle this include penalising developers who are slow to build homes on land by using compulsory purchase orders or levies.

It also suggests shared tenancies for States homes, so that single people can share larger properties with other renters.

Evidence show some tenants feel unable to report problems to their landlord for fear of being evicted, something which the report admits renters have little protection from.

The committee says it is looking to introduce 'measures' to protect both landlords and tenants, to give both 'greater clarity and certainty'.

The E&I report contains six priorities, including the delivery of affordable housing, the supply and quality of homes in the private sector and keeping  up-to-date data on them.

Committee president Lindsay de Sausmarez says that only a small number of homes could be seen as affordable.

"This means we have increased reliance on the private sector as a result, so it's important that we approach them both in tandem.

We're also concerned by the quality of housing and want to make sure that we don't just have enough, but that they're the right type."

Work on the plan is set to run from next year until the general election in 2025.

A deposit protection scheme, a review of rent control and a 'stock condition' survey are the initial areas to be looked at.