Government to review need for pre-sale agreements

Thursday, 2 October 2025 06:30

The government is going to review how Jersey's house-buying process works and run a consultation on pre-sale agreements.

Deputy Max Andrews brought the original proposal, which aimed to introduce the legally-binding agreements and financial penalties for vendors or buyers who pull out of a property transaction without valid reason.

He said his idea aimed to prevent gazumping and gazundering, which is when either the buyer or seller is left out of pocket by the other pulling out of a deal.

However, Ministers amended this suggestion, proposing they do a review of the process of buying a home in Jersey, including a consultation, and report back to the States by June 2027.

Housing Minister Sam Mezec says it needs to be part of wider work.

"[Deputy Andrews] has highlighted an issue that does matter to lots of people, and I'm also grateful to him for being open-minded about stretching that out a bit further, so it can be all encompassing and make sure that we try to tackle everything rather than one particular area on its own."

Deputy Andrews welcomed it as progress.

"I think it's only fair if some people happen to be antithetical about pre-sale agreements, then I think their voices need to be heard as well.

"That's the point of democracy, all views need to be respected, and I think this consultation is probably the best way of doing just that."