Where to live next: Jersey, Channel Islands

With its stunning beaches, strong sense of community, thriving financial services sector, and exceptionally low crime rates, Jersey has long appealed to those seeking peaceful island living within easy reach of mainland Britain. The largest of the Channel Islands, Jersey lies just 14 miles off the French coast and 85 miles south of England, easily accessible via a short ferry ride or less than an hour’s flight from the UK.

“There’s a friendliness here that is truly special,” says Oliver Rodbourne, Head of Knight Frank’s South East & Channel Islands team. “You can go from a beach club to a pub and immediately feel at home. It’s also incredibly safe - we often joke that nobody locks their doors here.”

Buying property in Jersey

As a self-governing dependency of the British Crown, Jersey operates its own fiscal system. Its tax regime offers some of the lowest direct taxes in Europe, with a basic income tax rate of 20% on the first £1.25 million of worldwide income and 1% on anything above that for those approved under its high value residency scheme. There is no inheritance tax or capital gains tax.

To purchase property, most buyers need to hold "Entitled" status, gained after 10 years of continuous residency, or "Licensed" status, available to essential employees. Alternatively, high-value residency can be granted to individuals whose presence benefits the island, requiring property purchases above specific thresholds (currently £3.5 million for a house or £1.75 million for an apartment). 

These factors, combined with Jersey’s distinctive lifestyle, make the island a compelling option for the globally mobile. “Between August 2024 and August 2025, there were 15 transactions over £6.5 million on the island, compared with just one in 2023,” says Oliver.

A family-friendly lifestyle

Aimee Sinclair-Horgan, Director at Knight Frank Jersey, grew up on the island and has seen a demographic shift in recent years. While Jersey has long been popular with retirees and former business owners, she’s now seeing more young families relocating to call the island home.

“Jersey offers excellent schools and everything you need on your doorstep, from tennis clubs to a thriving equestrian scene,” she says. “Safety and a strong community spirit also give parents peace of mind.”

The island is divided into 12 parishes, each offering access to the coast. “St Brelade is very sought after for its beautiful beach and proximity to the airport, ideal for frequent travellers,” Aimee explains. “To the east, St Martin is well located for some of the island’s top schools, while St Helier is home to the capital for those wanting to be in the heart of the action.”

Jersey’s housing stock includes both period and contemporary homes, offering something for every lifestyle. In St Brelade, striking modern properties are designed to take full advantage of the spectacular sea views and often come with luxurious amenities. Traditional farmhouses, Aimee notes, are also making a comeback. “They went out of fashion for a while, but we’re seeing renewed interest, particularly from families with younger children who value the space and character these homes offer.”

Aimee’s local gems:

“St Brelade’s Bay is a must-visit, with its beautiful golden sand beach and charming cafés and restaurants.”

“Mont Orgueil Castle offers an incredible glimpse into Jersey’s rich history - climb its nearly 200 steps for one of the best views on the island.”

“Jersey has some fantastic local produce and a thriving food scene. The La Robeline Cider Company, run by a husband-and-wife team, is a great example, crafting award-winning cider from locally harvested apples.”