Housebuilding at 10-year high, report says

The number of homes being built in Guernsey has reached its highest level in a decade, according to the latest figures.

The Island Development Plan report showed 408 homes were under construction at the end of June, the highest figure recorded since 2016 and well above the 10-year average of 325.

Officials said there were 1,264 homes in the island's development pipeline, equivalent to between nine and 11 years' worth of housing supply based on current demand forecasts.

The largest residential schemes include Leale's Yard in St Sampson, which has outline permission for 314 homes, along with the Mallard Complex, the Tyre Yard and Pointues Rocques developments.

Despite the increase in construction activity, housing approvals slowed during the second quarter of 2026.

Planning permissions granted between April and June resulted in a net increase of 44 dwellings, down from 74 in the first quarter and below the three-year quarterly average of 69, according to the figures.

The report showed, from the adoption of the development plan in November 2016 to the end of the quarter, the cumulative number of units under construction was 942 in the private market and 184 classed as affordable housing.

The report highlighted a continuing trend of commercial buildings being converted into housing.

A total of 2,691 sq miles (28,966 sq ft) of office space was lost during the quarter, with four planning permissions involving the conversion of office accommodation to residential use.

Planning officials said the cumulative loss of office space since 2023 reflected the conversion of older secondary and tertiary office accommodation that no longer met modern requirements.

The number of affordable homes in the development pipeline remained unchanged at 154.

A focused review of the Island Development Plan is continuing, with the current plan having been extended until 2030.

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