Restricted tenure properties data

WQ.114/2026

WRITTEN QUESTION TO THE MINISTER FOR HOUSING BY DEPUTY A.F. CURTIS OF ST. CLEMENT

QUESTION SUBMITTED ON MONDAY 13th APRIL 2026 ANSWER TO BE TABLED ON MONDAY 20th APRIL 2026

Question

"Further to the response to Written Question 15/2026, in relation to restricted tenure properties data, will the Minister –

1. detail the work that has been carried out to date to collect this information;
2. advise when the most recent work was undertaken and the data collected;
3. explain the methodology used to compile the data collected;
4. share what information is currently available, including the number and location of sites; and
5. advise when detailed information will be available and publicly accessible?"

Answer

1. The work carried out to date has focused on scoping the number and location of restricted tenure (first-time buyer) properties, together with a high-level review of the conditions that apply to them. Its purpose has been to identify what data is available, develop a baseline understanding of the current position, and begin to determine the nature and types of arrangements in place.
2. The work started in October and is being undertaken on an ongoing basis, with activity progressed incrementally alongside other established housing policy commitments.

As previously set out in my comments to P.55/2026, this work has been prioritised alongside other significant areas of housing policy, including consultation on the property transaction process (P.61/2025 Amd.), the development of policy mechanisms for empty homes (P.70/2025 Amd.(31) Amd.(2)), the embedding of the new Residential Tenancy Law provisions, consideration of the outcomes of the review of social housing rents (R.8/2026), and strengthening the approach to tackling homelessness.

3. The methodology used has primarily involved a review of Planning consents, Planning Obligation Agreements, conveyancing documentation and key policy documents, including the current Bridging Island Plan, previous Island Plans (2001 and 2011), and States Assembly decisions relating to the rezoning of sites for housing.
4. Information currently available includes substantive, though not yet complete, data on the number and location of first-time buyer properties, together with an initial understanding of the conditions that apply to them. However, this information is not yet sufficiently complete or standardised to enable publication. Further work is, therefore, required to validate its accuracy, including engagement with the Minister for the Environment, given the basis in planning consents and associated agreements.
5. Work to identify first-time buyer properties is important, and as a minimum there is an intention to publish a comprehensive list of sites, their locations and the number of properties, together with clear signposting to the documents that define ownership, occupancy, onward sale and related obligations. However, decisions on how and when this work should be taken forward will rest with the next Minister for Housing. This will need to be considered in the context of existing commitments and the priorities of the incoming government.