Housing support schemes for Islanders under the age of 25

WQ.361/2025

WRITTEN QUESTION TO THE MINISTER FOR HOUSING

BY DEPUTY H.L. JEUNE OF ST. JOHN, ST. LAWRENCE AND TRINITY QUESTION SUBMITTED ON MONDAY 29th SEPTEMBER 2025 ANSWER TO BE TABLED ON MONDAY 6th OCTOBER 2025

Question

"Will the Minister detail the Government support schemes that exist for Islanders under the age of 25 who wish to rent or purchase accommodation and explain how, if at all, the Proposed Budget (Government Plan) 2026 to 2029 would change the availability of such schemes; and will he further explain how and why this support differs from that available for those aged 25 and over (including any scheme for which under 25s are ineligible)?"

Answer

The Government currently provides a range of support schemes for Islanders under the age of 25 who wish to rent or purchase a home, though eligibility depends on individual circumstances.

Islanders aged 18 and over can access social housing through the Affordable Housing Gateway if they are a household with children or they have needs that require support via the Partnership Pathway. However, single people or couples without children are only eligible from the age of 25.

This restriction reflects a longstanding policy of prioritising access to social housing based on greatest need. Historically, limited housing stock, particularly one-bedroom homes, meant that government had to focus resources on families, people at risk of homelessness, and those with health or welfare needs. Younger Islanders without dependents were considered more likely to access private rental accommodation or remain in the family home.

It is also the case that age eligibility for social housing aligns with that of income support, being based on the same principles.

I recognise that this assumption is increasingly being challenged by the reality of housing affordability pressures facing younger Islanders. In response, the age threshold for households without children has been progressively lowered from 50 to 25 in recent years.

These policies continue to evolve, and it is my intention to reduce the age threshold to Islanders under the age of 25. Crucially, this expansion of eligibility is only possible with increased housing supply. The worst outcome would be to make promises to young people that cannot be delivered.

For those seeking to purchase a home, schemes such as First Step and Andium Homebuy are open to eligible Islanders under 25, offering pathways to home ownership for those who might otherwise struggle to afford to buy a home.

Whilst the Proposed Budget 2026 to 2029 does not introduce new housing schemes specifically for under 25s, the Government is committed to the delivery of the Investing in Jersey programme, which places housing at its heart, and will support the improved access and affordability for younger Islanders.