Guernsey Relocation Grants Total £5m as Rent Rises 65% to £2,138

The States of Guernsey spent over £5 million on relocation grants in 2025, the highest amount since the program began. These grants provide £5,000 for those relocating to Guernsey and £6,600 for Alderney, plus assistance with rental and storage costs, and in some cases mortgage support.

Rents in Guernsey have increased by 65% over the past decade, reaching an average of £2,138 per month. The Scrutiny Management Committee has linked the relocation allowances to the current high rental prices. A review of the relocation grant policy, originally due in September 2025, has not yet been completed, prompting calls for it to be prioritized due to ongoing housing cost pressures.

Deputy Rylatt emphasized the need to understand the impact of these packages, particularly on the rental market, and urged the Policy & Resources Committee (P&R) to complete the review. The findings could lead to changes in the relocation grant support, affecting how the States of Guernsey manages housing affordability challenges.

This matters to local residents and workers relying on housing support, as the review could influence future grant levels and rental market dynamics, potentially affecting housing affordability and relocation incentives in Guernsey.