Published on and written by Cyril Jarnias
Jersey, with its attractive tax environment and strategic position between the UK and France, attracts numerous entrepreneurs looking to establish their businesses there. Whether you’re seeking commercial space, an office, or a warehouse, here is a comprehensive guide to help you find the perfect space for your business on this dynamic island.
Secrets to Finding the Perfect Commercial Space in Jersey
Searching for commercial space in Jersey requires a methodical approach and good knowledge of the local market. Here are some effective strategies to find the space that best matches your needs:
Utilize online resources: Websites specializing in Jersey commercial real estate, such as LexpressProperty.com or JerseyProperty.com, offer a wide range of listings for spaces to rent or buy. These platforms allow you to filter results according to your specific criteria (size, location, property type) and easily compare offers.
Engage a local real estate agent: Jersey real estate professionals have in-depth market knowledge and can save you valuable time in your search. They often have access to properties not yet on the market and can negotiate on your behalf.
Explore business parks: Jersey has several attractive business parks for companies, particularly in St Helier, the capital, or in developing areas like La Collette or the Waterfront. An on-site visit will help you better understand the environment and opportunities.
Network with the local business community: Participate in events organized by the Jersey Chamber of Commerce or join professional groups on social media. These contacts can provide valuable information about real estate opportunities and market trends.
Good to know:
Demand for commercial space in Jersey is strong, particularly in sought-after areas like St Helier. It’s recommended to start your search several months in advance and be prepared to act quickly when you find a property that meets your criteria.
Key Players in Jersey’s Commercial Real Estate Market
To optimize your search for commercial space in Jersey, it’s essential to know the main real estate agencies specializing in this field. Here’s a selection of the most reputable players on the island:
D2 Real Estate: This local agency is recognized for its expertise in Jersey commercial real estate. With deep market knowledge, D2 Real Estate offers a wide range of offices, commercial spaces, and warehouses for rent or sale.
Savills Jersey: A subsidiary of the famous international agency, Savills Jersey offers comprehensive corporate real estate services, including property search, property management, and investment advice.
Maillards: Established for over 80 years in Jersey, this family agency has a diverse portfolio of commercial and industrial properties covering the entire island.
Buckley & Company: Specializing in high-end commercial and residential real estate, this agency offers quality professional spaces, particularly in central St Helier.
These agencies typically offer comprehensive services, from initial search to lease negotiation, including legal support. Don’t hesitate to contact several of them to get a comprehensive market overview and maximize your chances of finding the ideal space.
Good to know:
Most real estate agencies in Jersey offer virtual tours of properties, which can be particularly useful if you’re not yet on the island. This allows you to make an initial efficient selection before organizing in-person visits.
The Winning Application: Essential Documents for Renting
To rent commercial space in Jersey, you’ll need to prepare a strong application to reassure property owners and real estate agencies. Here are the documents typically required:
Proof of identity and residence: Passport or ID card, plus a recent proof of address.
- Extract from the Jersey Companies Registry (if your business is already registered on the island)
- Detailed business plan presenting your activity and financial projections
- Latest balance sheets and income statements (for existing businesses)
- Bank statements from recent months
- Letter of recommendation from your bank
- Proof of sufficient funds to cover rent and security deposit
Professional references: Contacts of previous landlords or business partners who can attest to your reliability.
Professional liability insurance: An insurance certificate covering your activity in Jersey will often be required.
It’s important to note that requirements may vary between landlords and agencies. Some may request additional guarantees, particularly for newly created businesses or foreign entrepreneurs establishing themselves in Jersey.
Business license: Depending on your industry, you might need to obtain a specific license or authorization from Jersey authorities. Make sure you have these documents in order before signing a lease.
Good to know:
Careful preparation of your application is crucial. Landlords in Jersey are generally very selective and prefer tenants with solid guarantees. A complete and well-presented application will significantly increase your chances of obtaining the desired space.
Rental Budget: How Much Does Commercial Space Cost in Jersey?
The cost of renting commercial space in Jersey varies considerably depending on several factors, including location, size, and property quality. Here’s an overview of average prices observed on the island:
Offices: – Central St Helier: £300 to £450 per m² per year – St Helier outskirts: £200 to £300 per m² per year – Other areas: £150 to £250 per m² per year
Commercial spaces: – Prime locations (King Street, Queen Street): £500 to £800 per m² per year – Secondary shopping streets: £300 to £500 per m² per year – Shopping centers: £400 to £600 per m² per year
Warehouses and industrial spaces: – Main industrial zones: £100 to £150 per m² per year – Modern logistics warehouses: £120 to £180 per m² per year
It’s important to note that these prices are indicative and may vary depending on the quality of facilities, building age, and lease conditions. Additionally, you need to consider additional costs:
Service charges: Typically between 15% and 25% of base rent, covering common area maintenance, security, etc.
Local taxes: The “rates” in Jersey are relatively low compared to other jurisdictions but must be budgeted for.
Insurance: Building insurance is often the landlord’s responsibility, but insurance for improvements and your business activities falls to you.
Security deposit: Typically equivalent to 3 to 6 months’ rent, payable upon lease signing.
Good to know:
Commercial leases in Jersey are often signed for terms of 3, 5, or 9 years. It’s common to negotiate rent-free periods or contributions to fit-out costs, especially for long-term leases or large spaces.
Towns and Economic Zones to Prioritize for Cost-Effective Establishment
Although Jersey is a relatively small island, certain areas offer more interesting opportunities in terms of cost for businesses looking to establish themselves there. Here’s an overview of sectors to consider for optimizing your budget:
West St Helier: This developing area offers modern office spaces at more competitive prices than the traditional city center. The Waterfront district, in particular, attracts many businesses with its quality infrastructure and proximity to the port.
St Saviour: Located just east of St Helier, this parish offers commercial spaces and offices at more affordable rates while remaining close to the island’s main business center.
St Brelade: This area, which includes Jersey Airport, is ideal for businesses requiring easy access to international transport. The business parks around the airport offer varied spaces at competitive prices.
Trinity: In the north of the island, this rural parish hosts several business parks offering spacious premises at attractive rates, particularly suitable for businesses requiring large storage or production spaces.
Grouville: In eastern Jersey, this area offers a good compromise between accessibility and cost, with interesting opportunities for small and medium-sized businesses.
It’s important to note that choosing a location should consider not only cost but also accessibility for your employees and clients, as well as proximity to services and infrastructure necessary for your business.
Good to know:
Jersey’s peripheral areas often offer larger spaces for a budget equivalent to a smaller space in the city center. This can be particularly advantageous for growing businesses or those requiring significant storage space.
Available Support to Reduce Your Space Costs
Jersey offers several assistance and incentive programs for businesses looking to establish themselves on the island, including measures aimed at facilitating access to commercial premises. Here are the main supports you could benefit from:
“Locate Jersey” Program: Managed by the Jersey government, this program offers personalized support to businesses establishing themselves on the island. It can include assistance in finding suitable premises and advice on the best locations depending on your business.
Jersey Business: This non-profit organization offers free advice to businesses, including on real estate aspects. They can help you assess your space needs and navigate the local real estate market.
Tax incentives: Although Jersey doesn’t offer direct rental assistance, its attractive tax regime (0% corporate tax rate for most businesses) can indirectly allow you to allocate more resources to your premises.
Jersey Innovation Fund: This fund can offer preferential rate loans to innovative businesses, which can be used to cover setup costs, including space rental.
Skills development programs: The Jersey government offers grants for employee training, which can indirectly reduce your operational costs and free up funds for your premises.
Public-private partnerships: In some cases, for large-scale or strategic projects, partnerships with local authorities can be considered, potentially including preferential conditions for occupying certain spaces.
It’s important to note that eligibility for these supports and programs often depends on specific criteria, such as industry sector, job creation potential, or your business’s economic impact on the island.
Good to know:
Jersey authorities are generally very open to discussions with businesses wishing to establish themselves on the island. Don’t hesitate to contact the government’s economic services directly to explore all available support options for your specific project.
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Cyril Jarnias is an independent expert in international wealth management with over 20 years of experience. As an expatriate himself, he is dedicated to helping individuals and business leaders build, protect, and pass on their wealth with complete peace of mind.
On his website, cyriljarnias.com, he shares his expertise on international real estate, offshore company formation, and expatriation.
Thanks to his expertise, he offers sound advice to optimize his clients' wealth management. Cyril Jarnias is also recognized for his appearances in many prestigious media outlets such as BFM Business, les Français de l’étranger, Le Figaro, Les Echos, and Mieux vivre votre argent, where he shares his knowledge and know-how in wealth management.
