Jersey’s property market is moving, but some homeowners are stuck in the middle

Ahead of Skipton International’s open day on 15 September, Jo Phillips, Skipton International’s Senior Mortgage Sales Manager, looks beyond Jersey’s latest property figures to explore why some homeowners are struggling to make their next move.

For some Jersey homeowners, finding their next property is only part of the process. They may be ready to move, but without a buyer for their current home, their plans can quickly come to a standstill.

It is a situation our Jersey mortgage team is encountering regularly, particularly among owners of one-bedroom flats who want a larger property or a home with a garden. Even when they are ready to move, they cannot proceed until they sell their current home. They are effectively stuck in the middle, which can be a frustrating position, particularly for people who feel ready to move on to the next stage of their lives.

A busier market does not tell the whole story

On the face of it, this might seem surprising given that Jersey’s property market has become more active lately.

282 properties were sold during the second quarter of 2026 according to the latest figures from Statistics Jersey. This was a quarter more than during the same period last year and up by a third compared to the previous quarter. The mix-adjusted average sale price was also 5% higher year-on-year, although the House Price Index remained 10% below its peak in the third quarter of 2022.

However, completed sales do not reflect homeowners waiting for an offer or buyers unable to proceed until their current property is sold. From the conversations our team is having, a busier market can still feel frustratingly slow.

Different parts of Jersey’s property market can move at different speeds. While the latest figures show an overall increase in sales, they cover only one quarter and do not necessarily mean demand is consistent across every type of home. Price, location, and condition can all influence how quickly a property finds a buyer.

Move, improve, or wait?

When a sale takes longer than expected, homeowners may begin to look at their options differently. Rather than waiting indefinitely to move, some are asking whether they could create the space they need by improving their current home.

We are seeing this through more enquiries about additional borrowing for home improvements. For some homeowners, this could offer a way to create the space they need without the uncertainty of waiting for a buyer. However, it remains a significant commitment. Homeowners need to consider:

·       the cost of the work

·       the impact on monthly repayments

·       whether the changes will meet their longer-term needs

Others are exploring alternative options: keeping their current property and letting it out while continuing with their move. This will not be realistic or suitable for everyone. Becoming a landlord brings financial, legal, and practical responsibilities, so it is important to understand what is involved before deciding.

Looking beyond today’s monthly payment

One of the questions we hear most often is not just, “Can I afford this mortgage now?” but “What could my repayments look like when my current deal ends?”

Even if a mortgage looks affordable on paper, customers want to know that the repayments will remain manageable alongside wider cost-of-living pressures. This can make deciding how long to fix their mortgage rate particularly important.

Some customers are exploring whether they can take their existing fixed mortgage rate with them when they move, often known as porting. Whether this is possible, and whether they need additional borrowing for their new property, will depend on their individual circumstances.

No one can predict exactly where interest rates will be in two, three or five years. Speaking with a lender can help customers consider whether a fixed-rate mortgage is right for them and how long they may want to fix for, based on their circumstances and future plans.

Some people prefer the security of fixing their mortgage rate for longer, while others want the flexibility to review their options sooner. What works for one household may not work for another.

Offering a choice of fixed-rate terms helps customers consider the option that best suits their circumstances and priorities. That is why Skipton International recently introduced its first two-year fixed-rate residential mortgage in Jersey, alongside its three and five-year options.

Whatever the length of the fixed-rate mortgage, the headline rate is only one factor. A lender can also explain the total cost, including fees, any early repayment charges, and what happens when the fixed-rate term ends.

Start with a conversation

Prospective buyers do not need to wait until they have found a property before speaking to a lender. An early conversation can help clarify their borrowing position, likely budget, and the other costs they may need to cover.

It can also help answer some of the questions many people have at the outset: how much deposit they may need, what their monthly repayments could be, and what information they will need to provide if they apply.

An agreement in principle can give buyers a clearer sense of what they may be able to borrow before they start viewing properties seriously. With Skipton International, this can be completed in as little as 10 minutes, whether online, by phone, or face to face with our team.

For homeowners caught between selling their current property and buying their next, there may not be a quick or simple answer. However, understanding their position and talking through the available options can help make the next step feel clearer. That is exactly what our upcoming open day is for.

Skipton International’s Jersey Mortgage Centre at 15–17 Esplanade, St Helier, will be holding an open day on 15 September, 8:30am to 5pm, giving islanders an opportunity to meet our local mortgage team and talk through their plans. Whether you are thinking about buying your first home, moving, remortgaging, or improving your current property, pop in and see us for a friendly, informal chat.