Collas Crill Property

THE MARKET

Market Categories

The Guernsey housing market is divided into 2 categories: dwellings which are available for occupation by anyone and which are inscribed on the Housing Register (commonly known as "open market") and dwellings which can only be occupied by persons holding residential qualifications or a licence issued by the Housing Department (commonly known as "local market").

History

The evolution of the distinction between the two types of dwelling commenced in 1948 when, as a result of a severe housing shortage, the States of Guernsey passed legislation prohibiting persons, who were not ordinarily resident in the island at some time during a specified period, from occupying a dwelling without a licence. This principle has evolved through successive pieces of legislation passed during the intervening years.