Jersey Property Law

As one of the largest and most experienced property teams in Jersey, we combine an in-depth knowledge of the local property law with a pragmatic and straightforward approach. We advise on both residential and commercial property transactions as well as advising on relocating to the Island.

Commercial property in Jersey

Our commercial property team acts for a wide client base that includes the major developers and lenders as well as landlords, vendors, investors and purchasers. We advise on a broad range of commercial real estate and development projects and combine technical expertise with a commercial approach. Our work includes acquisitions and disposals, landlord and tenant agreements, financing and secured lending transactions, joint venture agreements as well as development and infrastructure projects.

We are also instructed on a range of contentious and non-contentious matters, including planning appeals and other construction related disputes.

We work closely with surveyors, valuation companies, trust professionals and property portfolio managers and, as a full-service firm, can provide legal advice in relation to planning, housing, relocation, regulation, taxation, litigation and insolvency.

We also support Carey Olsen’s wider practice teams on the commercial property aspects of merger and acquisition transactions.

Residential property in Jersey

Our property team has a reputation for being effective and thorough and for its in-depth understanding of Jersey property law. We have one of the largest teams of conveyancers and lawyers who can guide you through the complete process of buying or selling your home, helping to ensure a smooth transaction.

We can advise on all aspects of residential property and development work, including buying and selling, leases, building contracts, preliminary agreements and option arrangements. We also have specialist expertise in local planning law, housing, relocation and regulatory advice and can call upon the expertise of other practice areas at Carey Olsen as required.

The team has strong links with local estate agents, industry advisers and government bodies. We are part of a broad network of support, which is especially useful to individuals and businesses that are new to the island.

In order to purchase and occupy residential property, an individual must qualify under the Control of Housing and Work (Jersey) Law 2012 (CHWL). (The housing market in Jersey falls into four principal categories:

Entitled: In general, this applies to those who have lived in Jersey for at least 10 years. Non-Jersey born individuals will receive permanent Entitled status after 30 years of continuous residence.
Licensed: Such persons have the right to lease or purchase property in their own name for so long as they remain Licensed.
Entitled for Work: A person will be Entitled for Work only once they have attained 5 years' continuous residency in the Island, or if they are a spouse of or in an enduring relationship with a Licensed or Entitled individual.
Registered: Those residents not falling within one of the above categories have registered status and have limited access to housing and employment.

One’s status may be lost where that person no longer fulfils the criteria set out in the CHWL for that status, save for those who have permanent Entitled status.

Relocation and HNWI Services

If you are considering relocating to Jersey we can advise you on the relocation of your assets, investments and business interests to the Island, as well as on all aspects of both commercial and residential property. We have the local knowledge and experience to provide comprehensive guidance on the immigration process, and our lawyers can also introduce you to key contacts in the relocation and private wealth sectors. Click here for our Relocate to Jersey brochure.