Living in Guernsey?

[AstonZagato]

I visited the place a couple of weeks ago on business and had a little snoop around whilst there. Seemed small and sleepy but quite pleasant. Nice sea views. Tiny roads. Have to get off the island for any culture but lots of outdoor stuff to do - especially boatie stuff.

I have a mate who lives there and he loves it.

Then my firm suggested I might like to set up a subsidiary there. Not going to be for a while as my youngest is in school for 18 more months. I can choose to say no.

But...

I have been thinking about downsizing when my daughter leaves school. I have also been thinking about moving away from the crowded SE and the unbearable traffic (my wife and I have discussed Yorkshire or Devon). And 20% tax/no VAT would bring my retirement forward. I can work there (not true of other places that tick the rural boxes). So Guernsey might suit.

Expensive property - £ like for like, I'd be downsizing substantially.

I need to go back to seal a deal I initiated so, if I'm interested, I will check it out more thoroughly with the wife.

So, what do people who have lived there think? Snog, marry or avoid?

[peterperkins]

isn't there a blanket 40mph limit?

[darreni]

I’ve lived here 18 years, it’s a great place. The low tax climate is great as is the almost zero crime environment.

Nice views on the daily commute (of 10 minutes!) too.

There are some great people here to help you relocate & establish a business, email me & I’ll put you in touch with those that can help.

[NDA]

Snog.

Assuming you can sell your gaff in the UK - which seems easier said than done at the moment on certain properties.

Not sure what travelling in and out of Guernsey is like - I had some friends on Alderney a while back and the commute wasn't the easiest. Guernsey airport is not exactly 'international'.

[AstonZagato]

Yes, I think large country houses are definitely sticky to sell right now. Stamp duty killed the market. However, Cambridge is a hotspot with GSK coming onto the Addenbrokes site and tech millionaires being created in the Science Park. Won’t find out till we try. If we try.

The airport is tiny. There are flights to Gatwick, Stansted, Exeter, Leeds. Those would cover my U.K. needs quite well. One or two international destinations (I think I saw a Düsseldorf flight). Maybe a few others. But really, you’d need to fly into London then out (and Gatwick is limited for business connections - better for holiday ones).