A Guernsey resident returning after a 10-month absence expressed shock at the doubling of rental costs.
Tom Pinsard and his family relocated to Australia in 2022, but a car accident involving his wife prompted their return to Guernsey in June 2023.
Despite securing rental housing upon their return, the property’s poor condition rendered it uninhabitable. Finding a suitable replacement proved challenging due to escalating costs.
A recent Guernsey Community Foundation report highlighted rising living costs driving young families from the island.
Mr. Pinsard noted that their previous two-bedroom coastal rental cost £1,300 monthly. Their September 2023 rental, a smaller two-bedroom property in St Sampson’s, cost £2,600 per month.
He described the 100% increase in rental costs within such a short timeframe as “shocking”.
The government’s Property Prices Bulletin indicates an average local market rental price of £2,068 monthly in Q1 2025— a 51.7% increase over the past five years.
The family’s temporary accommodation depleted their savings, forcing a difficult decision.
“We had to either purchase a property or leave the island again,” Mr. Pinsard stated.
The Pinsards ultimately purchased a house requiring renovation, necessitating significant sacrifices.
Mrs. Pinsard worked extra hospital shifts, and Mr. Pinsard operated a weekend business to secure their home.
“It was achievable but only through considerable extra hours, impacting family time,” he added.
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