Fears rental prices forcing Guernsey residents into homelessness

There are concerns the price of renting in Guernsey could be forcing some residents into homelessness. 

After family difficulties, 33-year-old Paul Goddard says he was forced to live in a car for several weeks and has struggled to find a stable place to live for years. 

He says he had been priced out of the market and despite being offered states housing, couldn't afford the rent.

According to the latest official figures which date back to 2019, there were 264 households on the waiting list for affordable housing.

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In the private sector, monthly rental prices increased by 3.8% between 2014 and 2019.

Guernsey Rentals say the issue has more recently been exacerbated by the pandemic as people have decided to return to the island after working abroad. 

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