The Environment Minister has rejected calls to increase the minimum space standards for one-bedroom one-person homes to 52m² – claiming it would have serious consequences for affordability, supply, and choice in an already strained housing market.
Instead, Deputy Steve Luce has raised the old minimum of 41m² for some one-person flats to a universal 43m² standard.
He also confirmed that the minimum size of the bedroom in a one-bedroom one-person home has been reduced from 11.5m² to 8m².
The review was carried out after politicians supported a proposal asking the Environment Minister to review raising the minimum size of all one-bedroom homes to 52m² – effectively eliminating one-person units.
But Deputy Luce has concluded this would damage affordability, restrict choice, and reduce housing supply in a report presented to the States Assembly this week.
“Smaller, well-designed homes are an essential part of Jersey’s housing strategy,” he said, emphasising that nearly a third of Jersey households now consist of a single person.
The report warned that forcing all one-bedroom flats to meet the larger two-person standard would “make smaller homes less affordable,” increasing the price of a unit by around £50,000 and adding almost £300 per month to mortgage repayments.
“This may price some buyers out of the market and is more likely to impact first-time buyers as they are often most sensitive to price increases,” explained Deputy Luce.
Limiting the smallest homes would also “reduce the availability of appropriately sized homes” and could lead to more islanders remaining in “possibly overcrowded accommodation.”
He added: “Smaller homes, where they are specifically designed for fewer occupants, are not inherently substandard and play a vital role in meeting diverse housing needs.”
The Environment Minister also acknowledged that higher ceilings improve natural light and the feel of a space, but said he would not change the rules until the cost implications were clearer.
Deputy Luce concluded: “The decision to retain and refine the one-bedroom/one-person specification reflects a balanced approach – supporting affordability, choice, and housing supply, while addressing concerns about overcrowding through design-led solutions and planning controls.”