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).
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