Guernsey Housebuilding Reaches 10-Year High, Report Shows

According to the latest Island Development Plan report, the number of homes under construction in Guernsey reached 408 at the end of June, marking the highest figure recorded since 2016 and exceeding the 10-year average of 325.

Officials reported that 1,264 homes remain in the development pipeline, representing an estimated nine to 11 years of housing supply based on current demand forecasts. Notable residential schemes include Leale's Yard in St Sampson, which holds outline permission for 314 homes, alongside the Mallard Complex, the Tyre Yard, and Pointues Rocques developments. Additionally, the report highlighted a persistent trend of converting commercial buildings into housing, with four planning permissions involving the transition of office space to residential use during the quarter, resulting in a loss of 2,691 square meters of office space.

Construction Activity and Planning Approvals

While construction numbers rose, housing approvals experienced a slowdown in the second quarter of 2026. Planning permissions granted between April and June added a net increase of 44 dwellings, falling from 74 in the first quarter and remaining below the three-year quarterly average of 69.

• Private vs. Affordable: From the adoption of the development plan in November 2016 through the end of the quarter, cumulative units under construction reached 942 in the private market and 184 in affordable housing.
• Pipeline Stability: The number of affordable homes in the development pipeline remained steady at 154.
• Office Conversions: The cumulative loss of office space since 2023 is attributed to the conversion of older secondary and tertiary office accommodations that no longer meet modern requirements.

Practical Implications and Verification

The ongoing trends indicate shifting commercial real estate patterns and long-term housing supply expectations on the island. A focused review of the Island Development Plan is currently underway, with the existing framework extended until 2030.

Readers and stakeholders can verify these findings by reviewing the official Island Development Plan Quarterly Monitoring Report published for the relevant period through official government or public planning channels.