Jason Hyland, Open Market Director at Livingroom, shares what the market has been like in 2025, some of Livingroom’s recent successes, and what he sees as the key to finding success when searching in this unique marketplace.

A limited yet busy market

There are a finite number of homes on Guernsey’s Open Market, which means there is limited stock available at any one time. For those who are new to Guernsey, this will be an unfamiliar scenario when conducting a property search when perhaps they are used to having multiple options within their parameters.

But it also means that the Open Market is ordinarily pretty busy, as when properties come up they naturally attract interest. That has certainly been the case throughout 2025, when we’ve seen more decisiveness from buyers who are acting quickly to secure the property that is right for them.

There’s no doubt that the market is, and always has been, price sensitive, and buyers are attuned to this. Fortunately, so are we. So when you sell an Open Market property with Livingroom you get a recommendation based on our experience, real market data and our intimate knowledge of this unique sales environment.

Buyers are increasingly savvy and know good value when they see it, which is why we use all of that data – including historical prices and comparable sales – to inform our valuations and work with vendors to help them get the result they want.

Guernsey’s proximity to the UK is crucial

One of the key drivers of Open Market activity is Guernsey’s physical and cultural proximity to the UK. Many of the prospective buyers I show around are UK citizens who have been away for a long time and are looking to move back to somewhere that is close by – often for family reasons.

Guernsey is perfect in this regard, with a flight to Gatwick taking just under an hour. There are also all the comforts of the language, the mannerisms and the culture of Guernsey and its people – who are of course British but nonetheless have their own unique Guernsey character too.

The island itself offers an incomparable blend of British and French influences – in everything from road names to cuisine – which many prospective residents find really attractive.

Not everyone is in this bracket however. This year I’ve had more conversations than ever before about the UK Government and its policies. Some prospective buyers are looking for a change and recognise the benefits Guernsey can offer them.

Others just recognise that Guernsey can offer a better way of life for them and their loved ones, so professional young families are often among those who I show what’s on offer.

Livingroom’s 2025 Open Market successes

This year has seen an improvement of Open Market property sold with November and December still to go and more projected. A 10.34% increase from last year - backing up the feeling that there is greater activity, sales volume and decisiveness among buyers.

OPEN MARKET INSIGHTS WITH JASON HYLAND

Guernsey’s Open Market is the route in for those who want to find a place of their own on the island.

Keep Reading

THE WINTER EDIT

RAISING THE BAR

A GUERNSEY RITE OF PASSAGE: DOES CONVEYANCING COURT STILL MATTER?