Housing and Grocery Prices Top Public Concerns

Rising Housing and Grocery Costs Fuel Concern Among Jersey Residents, Report Finds

A new report has found that residents of Jersey are increasingly alarmed by the rising cost of housing and groceries, with younger adults and single parents expressing the greatest concern.

The study, published by Policy Centre Jersey, surveyed 1,000 islanders in January and highlights housing as the dominant issue for those aged 17 to 34—significantly more so than for other age groups.

Grocery costs were also flagged as a key burden, with prices on the island averaging 14% higher than in the UK. The report attributed part of the issue to the absence of discount retailers, which are more prevalent across the UK mainland.

Overall, 64% of respondents cited the cost of living as the most pressing issue facing Jersey—rising sharply to 82% among single-parent households.

“The real issue is not just high prices, but people’s ability to meet them,” the report stated. It noted that real earnings have stagnated since 2000 and have dropped by 3.3% since 2020.

Jersey’s average house price now stands at £569,000, placing it on par with London and roughly 50% higher than prices in the South East of England. The report indicated that while those who own property outright or receive full rental support are somewhat insulated, recent buyers and those paying market rent face significant financial strain.

In terms of groceries, low-income households on the island may be spending up to 48% more than their counterparts in the UK.

The report explored possible measures to ease the cost burden, including expanding housing supply, facilitating entry for budget retailers, and reviewing regulatory practices that contribute to higher prices.

Sir Mark Boleat, senior advisor at the Policy Centre, said: “There is ample evidence explaining why costs are higher in Jersey, but tackling the issue is complex. Housing offers the clearest opportunity to reduce expenses, but that requires reforming policies that currently restrict development. Retail is another key area where change is needed to promote affordability.”