Empty-property tax and other measures to cut number of vacant homes will be considered by ministers

Picture: ROB CURRIE. (33222223)

NEW measures designed to discourage property owners from leaving homes empty for long periods will be brought before the next States Assembly, following a backbencher’s successful proposal.

Deputy Montfort Tadier called for options to be drawn up to ensure fewer properties were left vacant, which could include an empty property tax, and for an ‘effective mechanism’ to be introduced.

Recent figures revealed that there were 4,027 vacant private dwellings identified on census day in 2021 – equivalent to 8.3% of the Island’s stock remaining empty.

The latest census data showed a rise of almost 1,000 on the 2011 census figures.

Deputy Tadier’s proposition, which received the backing of Housing Minister Russell Labey, was approved by States Members yesterday almost unanimously, with only St Mary Constable John Le Bailly voting against.

Deputy Tadier said: ‘The census figures show that, far from resolving itself, the problem has got even worse… that’s with doing nothing.’

He added the caveat that Members did not yet know why the properties were empty, but said he believed some of those homes could be put back on to the market for rental.

The Reform Jersey Deputy said it was not designed to be a revenue-raising scheme, but to discourage property owners from leaving homes empty for long periods.

Meanwhile, Deputy Labey said: ‘Data and information is key and we have to gather that. I think we have got to get tough. It’s shameful to see sometimes such lovely houses empty when we have such an acute housing shortage.’

Other jurisdictions had tackled this, he said, including in the UK. Deputy Labey suggested an audit ‘parish by parish’ was needed to see how many properties had been left empty for over five years.

St Lawrence Constable Deidre Mezbourian said: ‘Clearly the Bridging Island Plan debate showed our reluctance to build unnecessarily – wherever those builds may have been, but particularly on our valuable farming and agricultural land.’

In his proposition, Deputy Tadier noted that the issue had still not been addressed, but there would need to be a proportionate response that remained in the public interest. He said it would be necessary to consider what exemptions should be included, and the question of human rights matters entitling people to the peaceful enjoyment of their possessions.

‘We should be using to best effect every building and structure on this Island before we seek to build more,’ Deputy Steve Luce added.

Following yesterday’s vote, the next Housing Minister is required to arrange an options paper, to be published by the end of September.

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