Is your home the 'right size'?

Monday 14 February 2022

The Housing Minister has launched a survey to understand whether islanders are living in homes that are the right size for their needs.

Support for 'right-sizing' was one of the measures put forward by Deputy Russell Labey in his 'Creating Better Homes' report in June 2021.

The survey seeks islanders' views on whether they wish to downsize in the future and for what reasons. It also questions whether they have been prevented from down-sizing previously.

There are also questions about the type of property they own, how many bedrooms they have to spare or how many years are outstanding on their mortgage.

Deputy Labey said the survey will help his department develop a "practical and achievable policy" that meets the needs of local homeowners and supports the availability of family homes in the future.

Pictured: Deputy Russell Labey, the Housing Minister.

“In Jersey, many families are looking for larger homes, while at the same time statistics suggest many people live in homes that are bigger than their current needs," he explained.

“In my Creating Better Homes action plan I have made a commitment to develop a right sizing policy for Jersey to help support homeowners who wish to move to smaller, more suitable property but might need some help to do it. This, in turn, will help increase the supply of larger houses for families, for example.

“The survey is aimed at homeowners who are thinking about moving at some point, but if you don’t own a home, or are a homeowner but not thinking about moving somewhere smaller, we’re still keen to hear from you too and you can use the survey to provide your comments.”

With the need for homes to enable right sizing having been highlighted in feedback to the draft Bridging Island Plan consultation, the Minister for Housing said he intends to work with the Minister for the Environment, Deputy John Young, to ensure an element of right sizing accommodation can be provided on new housing developments in the Island.

Islanders can take part in the survey until 14 March 2022 online, or by calling 01534 444 444 (select option 6).

Comments

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Posted by David Moon on Feb 14th, 2022

Is it time for a radical rethink on agriculture. The Bridging Island Plan has destroyed the myth that farmers are the guardians of the countryside by rezoning agricultural land for developments so there is no longer justification for the public to be sudsidising the industry which is otherwise not financially viable when locals do not want to work in it.

Posted by nigel pearce on Feb 14th, 2022

The best solution is a gradual reduction in the population.

Posted by on Feb 14th, 2022

Stop the immigration and you stop the housing crisis.

How dare he try to kick us out of our houses to give them to someone else.

I do not want to live in a flat with no parking and no chance of anyone coming to visit.

These people are a disgrace and the quicker they are out of government the better!

Posted by Martin on Feb 14th, 2022

I AM sure many of us ARE living in houses far too large for the number of occupants BUT are the Government going to waive the extortionate Royal Court sale of property fees to allow a re-shuffle so that we can allocate the right size house to the right number of occupants?

H I G H L Y unlikely!

Posted by Danny Moisan on Feb 14th, 2022

I worked all my life to buy my dream house, and I plan to retire in it... I think I have earnt that right and when I die, well my kids can fight over it but I have no desire to live in a flat, reduce the population to reduce the housing shortage?

Posted by Jon Jon on Feb 14th, 2022

Well am I going to leave and sell up the family home because my kids have left home now and out this miserable Island? Like hell... Labey is clueless at housing and time like others he was voted out.

Posted by on Feb 14th, 2022

Posted by Scott Mills on Feb 14th, 2022

Jon Jon best comment of the day. Fair play and the right mindset to have leaving Jersey, once you've sold your house. Pensions won't be worth having in 20/30 years, as it'll be even more expensive to live, and it won't even cover weekly shopping. I'm going to do the same, and move somewhere with proper local community amenities (not just sports), and have a damn site more in my sky rocket....than after a "pop" to the shop over here for 1 meal and it costs........

Posted by peter jones on Feb 15th, 2022

All it talks about is downsizing ,what about upsizing I bet most people living in a st. helier box would love a house with a gatden. And no im not filling in your timewasting survey,everyone knows you want people to live in boxes because of uncontrolled immigration,encouraged because 0/10 is a complete disaster and they just want more people paying ITIS

Posted by Steven Simon on Feb 15th, 2022

After recently trying to contact RL on 2 x separate occasions reference the above article. He didn’t even have the decency to respond so I’m out? ( dragons den )
RL is full of hot air like most politicians over here let’s hope he gets booted out.

Posted by David Moon on Feb 15th, 2022

Posted by Sheila Young on Feb 15th, 2022

Most people would like more space, or homes with gardens and parking but the reality is they cannot afford it. People are not going to move home to suit Mr Labey. Also circumstances and needs change people cannot always plan ahead.

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