A first-hand account from somebody who has recently relocated to Guernsey – with help from us at Swoffers – what’s great, what was not so straightforward, what was learnt along the way, and why the island is not just a place to live, but a place to belong
If someone had told me during Covid that I’d be moving from Hong Kong, an island in the South China Sea, to a small island in the Channel Islands, I’m not sure I would have believed them. But here I am, settled in Guernsey, and I can honestly say it’s been a great decision, despite initially being a bit of a rollercoaster ride for our family.
Moving anywhere new comes with its challenges, but Guernsey has a way of making you feel at home. From the stunning coastline to the incredibly welcoming community, life here is different in all the right ways.
Why we chose Guernsey
There were a few key reasons that drew us here. The first, and perhaps most obvious, is the sheer beauty of the island. I had seen photos before arriving, but nothing prepared me for how breathtaking Guernsey’s coastline truly is. The island has a charm that’s hard to describe until you experience it for yourself – rugged cliffs, golden beaches, and hidden coves that make everyday life feel like a holiday. One of the most apt descriptions I read of Guernsey was ‘It is akin to the most beautiful parts of the Devon or Cornish coast that broke away and floated off, far enough away to avoid all the traffic, crowds and politics of England.’
Community
Besides the physical attributes, the sense of community makes Guernsey stand out. People here genuinely look out for one another, and from the moment we arrived, we all felt welcomed. Whether it was a simple conversation while out shopping, a neighbour offering local tips, a gardener offering to lend us mattresses until our furniture arrived or being invited to community events, I quickly realised that Guernsey isn’t just a place to live – it’s a place to belong.
Of course, practical factors played a role too. After years of city life, we were ready for a slower, more balanced way of living, although I didn’t realise it at the time. The idea of short commutes by bike, fresh sea air, and a more rational work-life balance was incredibly appealing. And, I’ll admit, the financial benefits were an added bonus: sensible income tax (top rate 20%), no capital gains tax, no inheritance tax, no VAT; Guernsey’s tax system is certainly attractive, especially for those looking to make a long-term investment in their future.
The realities of moving here
The actual process of moving was relatively straightforward, though there were a few things we had to figure out along the way. One of the biggest decisions was finding the right place to live. Guernsey has a two tier property market: the Local Market, which is primarily for people with local ties to the island, and the Open Market, which is available to anyone but tends to be (though is not always) more expensive. Understanding the differences took some time, but after some research, and help from Swoffers, we found a home that suited our needs and the needs of our three teenage children.
Settling in also meant navigating other aspects of daily life for us all. It was a matter of understanding the rules and regulations around working on the island, which took some effort but was manageable with the right advice.
What life is really like here
Now that we’ve had time to adjust, I can confidently say that Guernsey offers a lifestyle unlike anywhere else. My daily routine has changed in the best possible way, a shorter commute means more time for fitness in the mornings as well as a daily dip in the sea whatever the weather or temperature, something I never imagined would become quite so normal. I have become a huge fan of the Bathing Pools in St Peter Port (the capital), which have a real sense of community. The island is small, which means everything is within easy reach, eliminating long commutes and the stress that comes with them. There’s also an incredible sense of freedom here, whether it’s the ability to explore nature at any time or the simple fact that life moves at a gentler pace.
That’s not to say there haven’t been adjustments. The cost of living is something to consider, particularly when it comes to groceries and housing. As an island, Guernsey relies on imports, which means prices can be higher than mainland UK, though cheaper than HK where we moved from. However, with no VAT (including no VAT on school fees) and sensibly lower income tax, it balances out in other ways. Healthcare was another learning curve, as Guernsey isn’t part of the UK NHS, but the standard of care is excellent, and private health insurance helps cover any gaps. With three lively, outdoors-loving sons in tow, it was important to know that our A&E needs would be covered; and they have been.
Perhaps the most unexpected joy of moving here has been the people. Whether it’s through local events, clubs and societies, or even just casual conversations, I’ve met some of the kindest, most welcoming individuals. There’s a genuine warmth to the community, and it’s made all the difference in feeling truly at home.
Safety and security
One of the aspects often overlooked is safety and security; especially for children – if a place is safe they have freedom. If one is worried and concerned about a lack of personal safety, genuine day-to-day freedom is curtailed. There is no doubt that Guernsey is a safe place; many people do not lock their homes, keys are often left in cars, bicycles are frequently left without locks. It’s liberating. Household and car insurance rates (which are much lower than we were used to paying in the UK or HK) testify to the safety and security of the island.
A few challenges to consider
No move is without its challenges, and Guernsey is no exception. One of the biggest adjustments has been travel. While the island has good transport links to the UK and France, flights and ferries can be affected by the weather, so flexibility is key.
Housing, particularly in the Open Market, can also be expensive (although to some extent that depends on where one is moving from), so it’s worth doing thorough research before making any commitments. And if you’re used to the hustle and bustle of a big city, the slower pace of life here might take some getting used to; though I do not miss traffic jams, and I love parking by the beach even in the height of summer, and of course cycling almost everywhere in sedate traffic with invariably kind and courteous road users.
My advice for anyone thinking about moving here
If you’re considering the move, my biggest piece of advice is to visit first and get a feel for the island. Guernsey has a unique charm, but it’s important to see if it’s the right fit for you. Explore the different parishes to see what could work best for you and your family. Talking to locals can be incredibly helpful – people here are more than happy to share their experiences and offer advice.
In addition, get to know one of the local estate agents. We worked closely with Swoffers, the leading estate agent on the island. They take a tailored, hands-on approach, are locally owned and have long-standing relationships within the community, making them highly invested in finding the right home for you. In addition they will go ‘beyond the sale’ and assist with relocation logistics, from recommending lawyers and surveyors to advising on utilities and community connections. Their guidance can make settling into island life much smoother. And you’ll meet your agent later at choir, book club, swimming, the football pitch or the pub or in the street, so they have an on-going vested interest in your happy and fulfilling relocation to this quirky delightful island.
There are also great resources available, such as Locate Guernsey, which provides guidance on everything from residency permits to business opportunities. Most importantly, embrace every part of the lifestyle that Guernsey has to offer, there is so much here; sport, culture, music, literature – join a local club, try open-water swimming (cold but exhilarating), explore the coastline. Guernsey has so much to offer, but the best way to experience it is to dive right in.
Final thoughts
Stable, safe, secure and an adventure. Moving to Guernsey has been an adventure, and while there have been a few challenges along the way, the beauty of the island, the warmth of the community, and the quality of life here make it a truly special place to call home. If you’re thinking about making the move, my advice is simple: come and see it for yourself but please do not tell everyone.
If you’re considering a move to Guernsey, drop us a line at sales@swoffers.co.uk or give us a call on +44 (0) 1481 711766 and one of our knowledgeable Open Market advisers will be more than happy to help.
