Sophie has been with us for more than a decade and is one of Guernsey’s most-experienced property professionals.

We sat down with her to find out what the latest market trends are, what buyers and vendors are asking for, and how Livingroom stands out from the rest.

1. Currently, what type of property are buyers looking for? And what’s contributing to its popularity?

We’ve seen a rise in demand for modern properties that represent the latest building and design styles. Also property that requires little work or modification is proving popular at the moment, partly driven by the cost of building works, and the high demand for builders making it hard to sometimes even get a quote!

2. What do you find that prospective buyers and tenants are looking for stylistically? Is there a particular aesthetic that is popular at the moment?

Buyers and tenants are both after the same thing: modern style with light or neutral colours, plenty of natural light and spaces that are easy to maintain. The rental market is experiencing a lack of supply, so there is less room for tenants to be picky; when really nice properties become available for rent, they get snapped up very quickly.

3. Are there any areas/parishes of Guernsey/Jersey that are in demand at the moment? Why do you think they are so popular?

Guernsey’s upper parishes – St Martin, St Pierre du Bois, St Saviour – have always been popular. Those areas a bit less built up than the other parishes

so there’s more green space, which is something buyers have been prioritising since COVID especially. These parishes offer the very best of rural living, but because it’s Guernsey, nothing is very far away.

4. What makes a Livingroom listing stand out from any other listing?

The amazing work of our in-house creative team really stands out. They’re so great at finding the imagery or videos that present a property in its best possible light, and vendors and buyers regularly tell me that they love the way we market property.

5. What is your advice to anyone looking to sell a property in the current market?

Presentation of your property is absolutely key. It’s not the sellers’ market that we experienced during the immediate post-COVID years, so you do have to put the effort in. Before listing, have a good tidy up and de-clutter, give the garden a quick spruce up and make sure your property is clean and presentable.

6. And what tips would you give buyers?

Go and see your bank or a mortgage broker to find out how much money you can borrow so you have an idea of which bracket you’re searching in. Then make sure you register with us to get the latest properties that match your criteria straight to your inbox. We try and make it as easy as possible for buyers to see the properties that could be their perfect match.

7. The Bank of England finally lowered interest rates at the end of July, with another cut predicted before the end of the year. Have you already seen some impact from the July cut?

There has been a bit of a lag between the rate cut and bank-offered interest rates actually falling. But we have now started to see that here in Guernsey, and I’d expect market activity to pick up soon as a result.

8. Recently, there have been new proposals and amendments to the States of Guernsey’s Island Development Plan. One of which includes making development frameworks necessary for only ‘more complex sites’, aiming to reduce the number of development frameworks. Do you think this change will be good for Guernsey’s housing market?

Guernsey sadly has a few dilapidated brownfield sites and old hotels that I think they should be focusing more on for redevelopment. This would not only create new properties to meet community need, but also improve areas that are real eye sores and don’t fit with the overall beauty of our island.

To chat to Sophie about your property needs and aspirations, give Livingroom a call on +44 1481 715555 or email her on sophie.turian@livingroomproperty.com

LIVINGROOM SITS DOWN WITH SOPHIE TURIAN

Earlier this year we promoted Sophie Turian to Local Market Director at Livingroom.

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