Quarterly Housing Price Index (FOI)

Request

With reference to the Quarterly House Price index produced by Statistics Jersey that have shown continual increases of House Prices since Senator Mézec took on the role of Housing Minister almost two years ago.

I am unable to locate any corresponding Press Releases / Statements issued by the Housing Minister whenever Statistics Jersey have released their Quarterly House Price index reports.

Therefore can you please list all Press Releases / Statements issued by Jersey's Housing Minister Mézec in conjunction with these reports since Senator Mézec took on the role of Housing Minister in 2018?

Response

The House Price Index is prepared and published quarterly by Statistics Jersey, which is an independent body.

All Statistics Jersey’s reports are available online at the following link:

Statistics Jersey reports and documents

The media sometimes request a comment on the House Price Index from the Housing Minister, and sometimes they may request an interview.

The following comments on the House Price Index were issued by the press office in response to queries from the media.

15 November 2019:

Senator Sam Mézec (Minister for Children and Housing) said:

“The latest House Price Index shows that property prices in Jersey continue to rise so that for many Islanders, the cost of purchasing or renting a home continues to be their biggest challenge. This demonstrates the importance of the government helping to deliver new homes to meet demand, by freeing up publicly owned sites for development by Andium Homes. On top of this, I hope the States Assembly will approve the measures in the Government Plan to allocate me £10m to introduce support for first-time-buyers and improve regulation in the rental market for those who cannot afford to buy.”

16 August 2019:

Senator Sam Mézec (Minister for Children and Housing) said:

“The latest House Price Index shows high levels of activity in Jersey’s housing market, but demonstrates that, for many Islanders, the cost of purchasing or renting a home is a challenge.”

“The Government recognises the housing difficulties that islanders face, and wants to improve islanders’ standard of living as a matter of priority. We are already taking significant action in this area.”

“The Housing Policy Development Board is reviewing issues within the island’s housing market, and will report on its recommendations by the beginning of 2020. These recommendations will aim to improve the supply, standard and affordability of housing in Jersey, and to create a sustainable housing market for future generations. Work is also underway to create 1,100 new affordable homes for rent and purchase by the end of 2020.”

“We are also making significant steps towards improving the standard of rental accommodation. These include the introduction of minimum standard legislation, which was introduced last year, and a proposed landlord licencing scheme, which will help us to raise standards for tenants, and create a level playing field in the rental sector.”

“We published a review last month, which sets out how we can improve access to social housing, and we are also working with the private and charitable sectors on a homelessness review and strategy to protect the most vulnerable in our community.”