We’re often asked by clients, colleagues, and friends about build costs in Guernsey. It’s always exciting when someone starts thinking about their dream project, but we know how daunting it can feel once you start digging into the real costs involved.
Building or renovating ultimately comes down to affordability, but it’s also about seeing the bigger picture. So, should high build costs really put us off?
In Guernsey, it helps to take a balanced view: yes, build costs are higher here, but so is property value.
The bigger picture
Guernsey’s housing market remains strong, with limited supply and high demand, particularly for well-designed or energy-efficient homes. Even if your build costs come in above the UK average, the end value of your property will often more than make up for it.
Property here tends to retain or increase in value, and high-quality new builds or renovations can command a premium.
Managing build costs
One of the most important things we tell clients is that you have more control over costs than you might think, especially with smart, early planning.
A few key strategies we often recommend:
- Break your project into phases to spread costs and manage workflow
- Choose materials wisely, prioritising local options and avoiding expensive imports where possible
- Simplify your design without compromising on style or function
- Invest in a detailed cost plan once your design is finalised, which becomes your roadmap throughout construction
- Design for energy efficiency, which pays off over time through lower running costs
New builds, for example, tend to be far more energy-efficient and give you full control over layout, materials, light, and space, no compromises required.
Guernsey banks offer stage payment construction mortgages, and local architects regularly work with quantity surveyors to help clients stay on budget. Remember: build cost doesn’t necessarily mean cash upfront, it’s about managing a long-term investment in your future home.
The reality of current costs
It’s no secret that build costs have risen since pre-COVID days. Global pressures on materials and freight, combined with local factors such as labour shortages, housing, cost-of-living increases, and island-specific premiums, have all pushed prices upward.
However, while labour and materials may be more expensive, it’s important not to lose sight of the lasting value of a completed property, especially in Guernsey’s resilient market.
Making it worthwhile
As a client, you retain creative control whether you’re building new or renovating, and you’re shaping a home in a stunning, high-demand location. If you already own land or are serious about starting your project, don’t let the £/m² figures put you off. With the right planning, it’s manageable and worth it.
At JGA, we work with clients across all budget levels, helping to break down ideas into realistic costs and remove the stress from what should be an exciting journey. Building in Guernsey can be a challenge, but with the right mindset and team, it’s one that truly pays off.