The interest in Guernsey’s Open Market, sparked in part by the Bailiwick’s response to the initial stages of Covid, is showing no signs of slowing down.
James Starkey, Open Market Negotiator at Cooper Brouard has made 15 of the company’s Open Market Sales and already has four ready to complete in early 2022.
He says that demand is still high. “Market conditions remain strong with a steady stream of applicants coming to the Island. Many are looking ahead of the April tax deadline and we are expecting to see another increase in activity then.” He adds “We are also are seeing more and more Locally qualified applicants choosing to look at Open Market houses as they see there being value in the lower to middle end of the market due to the increase in the Local Market.”
At the moment there is demand across the board but the area that is in most in need of good quality stock is between £1.5m and £3m. James explains that they have applicants with a variety of requirements from family homes, to lock up and leave style and though this is the most sought after price band, they also have serious enquiries for even the highest price brackets.
With regards to the current Covid situation, James feels that it hasn’t led to a slowing of enquiries. “Though Omicron has thrown everyone a bit of a curve ball, Guernsey is still being judged by its handling of the early stages of the pandemic. People remember that we acted swiftly and decisively and that made the island a more desirable destination. With regards to the practicalities, we are conducting a number of initial viewings via video/Whatsapp but, as it stands now, house hunters are still willing and able to travel to complete the process.”
