1. How would you describe Jersey’s current position in the global luxury property market, and what continues to attract high-net-worth individuals to the island?
I think Jersey has always been a place where wealthy individuals choose to keep their money, largely due to its tax advantages.
Of course, there are other islands, like the Cayman Islands and many others, but Jersey is very special because it’s such a small island. Our population is only around 105,000, and it’s incredibly safe. Families looking to get away from larger, busier places find a sense of comfort here, knowing they don’t have to worry so much about safety and security.
Beyond that, Jersey offers a beautiful lifestyle. We’re surrounded by the ocean, we have Michelin-starred restaurants, and the island has a very high quality of life. And, as I said, it’s extremely safe.
2. Can you tell us more about Fine & Country Jersey’s approach to the high-end residential market, and how your firm caters to international clients seeking property in Jersey?
At Fine & Country Jersey, we offer a full concierge service, which goes far beyond just selling property. Many real estate agents simply show clients properties and handle the transactions, but we take it several steps further.
For instance, we’ll personally pick up clients from the private airfield. But before we even discuss property, we introduce them to Jersey itself, the lifestyle, the people, and the unique character of the island. We show them how friendly and welcoming Jersey residents are.
Jersey has always had a culture of treating everyone equally, regardless of whether they’re wealthy or not. For those in the public eye, celebrities, public figures, authors, or business leaders, Jersey is particularly appealing because they can live here quietly without being harassed. We don’t have paparazzi waiting outside restaurants, schools, or homes. People respect privacy here, and that’s something rare in many capital cities worldwide.
After showing clients around the island, we often invite them to my beach house in St. Brelade, which is on the western side of the island. This area has become particularly popular with high-value residents, especially families.
Many of these families have husbands who travel frequently for business. Being close to the airport means they can leave in the morning for meetings abroad and still be back in time for dinner or to tuck their children into bed. That’s very important for maintaining a strong family life, especially when relocating to a new place.
We offer such a personalized, full-service approach, we handle everything from booking restaurants for our applicants to helping newcomers settle into the community.
We make sure we look after the wives of high-net-worth clients who often want to know practical details, who’s the best hairdresser, where to get their nails done, and so on. We host social events at my beach house, where we introduce newcomers to other like-minded families who have already settled here. It makes the entire transition much smoother and more enjoyable.
We also assist with schools. On one occasion, a potential new resident couldn’t get an appointment with the headmaster of a private school during their visit. However, we have direct contacts all over Jersey, we made it happen.
In short, we don’t just sell property, we sell Jersey.
3. In recent years, there’s been a growing interest in island living and relocation among global investors. What trends are you noticing among international buyers looking at Jersey?
Many years ago, high-value residents in Jersey were referred to as “11Ks.” Typically, it was grandparents moving here to protect family wealth for tax reasons. Sadly, that sometimes meant seeing elderly people living alone in very large properties, occupying just one room while the rest of the house remained unused.
Things have changed dramatically. Around 2012, we saw our first property sale reach double figures in millions. Now, we’re seeing property sales in the £30 million range, and we even have some confidential listings valued in the £40–£60 million range.
Over the past 30 years, Jersey has transformed significantly. Our building standards now match those you’d find globally, which makes the island more appealing to younger high-net-worth individuals who want modern, high-quality homes and vibrant lifestyles.
Beyond beautiful properties, Jersey offers world-class restaurants and a close-knit, welcoming community. And thanks to our services, newcomers can quickly connect with like-minded people and form genuine friendships.
4. What are some of the biggest opportunities and challenges currently facing the high-end property market in Jersey?
Honestly, I don’t see many significant challenges. Jersey remains extremely popular, particularly for high-value residents who may have lived abroad, perhaps in the United States, but originally come from the UK, Ireland, or nearby European countries.
Many new residents have families and children, they often want to move closer to their parents or relatives in Europe. They value having their children grow up near grandparents, rather than only seeing them for two weeks a year across transatlantic flights.
Therefore, Jersey is in a very good position because it offers proximity, safety, and an exceptional lifestyle for these families.
5. What is the importance of the U.S. clientele for Fine & Country Jersey? Do you have many American clients?
We’re just in the process of opening a Fine & Country office in America, which is very exciting for us. Fine & Country as a brand is well-established globally, with about 235 offices around the world, including locations in Dubai, across Europe, Barbados, Portugal, Italy, France, you name it.
When the founder of Fine & Country first approached me around 2006 about joining the brand, it wasn’t quite the right time for Jersey. Back then, we didn’t have many high-value property sales to justify adopting an international luxury brand.
However, by 2012, when we started seeing significant property sales in the multi-million-pound range, I felt it was the right moment. At the time, I owned and operated my own estate agency under the Thompson name, which was very well-known in Jersey.
In 2020, we finally opened a standalone Fine & Country office. It was a bold move, and last year, I made the decision to fully transition away from the Thompson Estates brand in order to embrace Fine & Country globally.
My fellow director, Rebecca, and I focus on high-value applicants moving to Jersey, while the rest of our team continues to handle the local market. Balancing those two markets has been a challenge, but I’m very pleased to say we’ve managed it successfully.
6. Do you have any specific expansion plans for Fine & Country Jersey?
Jersey is a small island, so our growth is naturally limited by geography. However, as I mentioned, I live on the beach, and part of our strategy involves showcasing the island’s lifestyle before we even discuss property details with clients.
Whenever we pick up clients, we focus on selling Jersey first. We often bring them to my beach house to give them a firsthand experience of what life here feels like. It’s about helping them fall in love with Jersey’s unique charm and natural beauty.
7. What’s the biggest property listing you’ve ever had at Fine & Country Jersey?
We were instructed to sell a property valued at £33 million. We had several very interested potential buyers, including one who came back with his wife for a second visit. Unfortunately, it went under offer before we could finalize the deal with that particular client.
Therefore we didn’t close that sale, but it’s set the bar. My target now is to secure the next sale over £31 or £32 million.
8. Finally, what message would you like to share with our readers at Newsweek regarding Jersey, not only as a financial center but also as a place to live, invest, and build a future?
I moved to Jersey just two weeks before my 18th birthday. I arrived with only £37 in my pocket and no return ticket. My first job was as a dishwasher.
Since then, through hard work and perseverance, I’ve built a very successful business. I’ve always believed in thinking outside the box and focusing on what I personally would want if I were buying a property.
I pride myself on honesty and trustworthiness. I’ll always tell clients the absolute truth. If there’s an obstacle, I will find a way to overcome it. I believe I’m the best in Jersey because of this commitment.
The lifestyle in Jersey is like stepping back in time, in a wonderful way. People are friendly, welcoming, and genuine. We have all the modern facilities you’d find in any sophisticated jurisdiction.
We have Michelin-starred chefs, excellent schools, beautiful scenery and incredible safety and privacy. The only thing I’d say we still need is another new hotel, perhaps a five-star or even six- or seven-star establishment.
Given how many high-value visitors we are attracting, I believe that’s the next opportunity for investment. Jersey truly is a very special place to live, work, and invest.
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