Parslows LLP is a Legal 500-ranked Jersey law firm providing specialist legal services for high-net-worth individuals purchasing high value residential property in Jersey.
Relocating to Jersey is one of those decisions that looks straightforward on paper and turns out to be anything but. There are legal complexities, regulatory requirements, tax considerations, and a dozen practical details that need to come together at the right time. That is where we come in.
I have been practising Jersey law for over thirty years. Before founding Parslows in 2011, I held positions at Ogier, Sinels, and Bedell Cristin, so I know how the larger firms operate and I know what they do well. What I also know is that high value residential clients deserve something those firms often struggle to deliver: direct access to the person who actually understands your transaction, a phone call returned the same day, and the confidence that comes from knowing your lawyer is genuinely invested in getting you settled.
We have assisted individuals and families relocate to Jersey from across the UK and internationally, handling everything from the initial residency application through to the moment the contract passes before the Royal Court of Jersey. If you are considering a move to Jersey, I would be delighted to discuss how we can help.
Understanding Jersey’s High Value Residency Scheme
Jersey’s High Value Residency (HVR) scheme is designed for individuals who can make a significant economic contribution to the island. If you meet the criteria set out by the Government of Jersey, you can apply for Entitled status, which permits you to take up Jersey residency and purchase or rent residential property.
The scheme is not automatic. The island authorities carry out thorough reputational and financial due diligence on every applicant. In practice, you will need to demonstrate a minimum annual tax contribution to the Jersey authorities, and the application process involves careful coordination between your legal team, tax advisors, and the relevant government departments.
That said, the process does not have to be daunting. Most applications move from initial enquiry to an in-principal decision within a matter of weeks, provided the groundwork has been done properly. And that is really the key: getting the preparation right from the outset saves time, avoids complications, and makes the whole experience considerably less stressful.
For full details on the scheme’s eligibility criteria and the application process, we would recommend visiting the Locate Jersey website, which is the official resource maintained by the Government of Jersey.
What We Do for You
A high value residential property transaction in Jersey involves rather more than a straightforward house purchase. The legal and regulatory framework is different from England and Wales and other jurisdictions, the freehold and flying freehold conveyancing system is court-based, and the HVR application itself requires careful handling. Here is how we support you through the process:
Property Acquisition
Whether you are looking at a granite farmhouse in a rural parish, a modern waterfront apartment, or a substantial family home with development potential, we provide end-to-end legal support for your purchase. That includes checking title, reviewing searches, advising on the Jersey conveyancing process, and representing you before the Royal Court of Jersey when the contract is passed. If you cannot attend Court in person, we can appear on your behalf under a Power of Attorney.
Jersey has three main types of property ownership, and it is worth understanding the distinction:
- Freehold – Ownership of land and everything above and below it, in perpetuity. This is the most common form of ownership for houses and estates.
- Flying Freehold – Ownership of a distinct unit, typically an apartment, within a larger development, together with a percentage interest in the common areas.
- Share Transfer – You acquire shares in a company that owns the building, with those shares conferring the right to occupy a specific unit. This is handled through a Share Vending Agreement rather than through the Royal Court.
Each type has its own legal process and considerations. We will explain which applies to the property you are interested in and what it means in practical terms.
Tax & Wealth Coordination
We are property lawyers, not tax advisors, and we are upfront about that distinction. But what we do very well is coordinate. Over the years we have built strong working relationships with Jersey’s leading tax advisors and fiduciary services firms, and we work alongside them and your existing family office or wealth managers to ensure the financial aspects of your relocation are properly aligned with the legal requirements. Getting this right early on can save a great deal of time and expense down the line.
Settling In
Relocating is not just a legal transaction. It is a life decision, particularly when you are moving a family overseas. Over the years we have helped clients navigate the practical side of arriving in Jersey: introductions to local banking, connections with schools, and the kind of local knowledge that only comes from actually living and working here. I was born in Jersey, educated here, and have raised my family here. This is home, and I am always happy to share what I know.
Ongoing Support
Our support does not stop at completion. If your move to Jersey involves business formation, restructuring or ongoing commercial matters, we can help you navigate the process smoothly. We are also available to assist with future property transactions, along with Jersey wills and estate planning as your circumstances develop.
Why Parslows
I founded Parslows in 2011 because I believed there was a better way to deliver legal services in Jersey. Having worked at three of the island’s largest firms, I knew that technical quality was only part of the picture. Highnetworth clients value direct access to the lawyer handling their matter, clear and straightforward advice, and the confidence that someone is genuinely looking out for their interests. That is the standard on which I built Parslows.
And that is what we offer. When you instruct Parslows LLP on a highvalue residential matter, you work directly with me and my team. There is no hierarchy to navigate and no associate relaying messages. Martin Le Maistre, who works closely with me, brings over fifty years of experience in Jersey conveyancing. Mel Guest, who heads our residential property team, has more than thirty years’ experience. Between us, we have seen almost every scenario that Jersey property law can present.
Parslows LLP is recognised in The Legal 500 for the quality of our work, with clients describing us as “extremely clear, grasping the situation quickly” and as “a boutique alternative to larger legal firms.” That is precisely what we set out to be: technically excellent, commercially aware, and genuinely easy to deal with.
Recent Experience
Supporting a High Value Residency Move to Jersey
Property Value: circa £7 million
Location: Rural parish, Jersey
Client: Licensed individual relocating from the United Kingdom
Our client was a professional seeking to relocate to Jersey under licence. They had identified a substantial rural property and needed legal support with the property acquisition.
We carried out full due diligence on the property, including title checks, boundary inspections, searches, and liaison with the mortgage lender’s legal team.
The transaction completed on schedule, with the contract passed before the Royal Court. We continue to advise the client on ongoing property and estate planning matters.
We treat every client’s details with absolute confidentiality. The information above is shared with our client’s consent and has been anonymised.
How Property Purchases Work in Jersey
If you are accustomed to the English or any other jurisdictions conveyancing system, Jersey will feel somewhat different. There are no exchange of contracts per se, completion of freehold or flying freehold property takes place in person before the Royal Court of Jersey, rather than through a solicitor’s office.
Here is how it works in practice:
One of our first priorities is to ensure that the property has a clear and marketable title. Jersey’s Public Registry, which dates back centuries to the time of Sir Walter Raleigh, allows us to undertake a comprehensive review of the property’s history. We examine at least forty years of title to confirm a secure and unbroken chain of ownership. In addition, we carry out all necessary searches with the Planning Department, the Parish, and key utility providers to identify any matters that could affect the property or your intended use.
Once all due diligence is complete, the contract of sale is finalised and taken before the Royal Court, which convenes on Friday afternoons (in what is traditionally known as the Samedi Division). You may attend in person, or, if more convenient, you can sign a Power of Attorney and a member of our team will appear on your behalf to complete the purchase. Stamp duty is payable at completion, calculated on a sliding scale according to the value of the property. Our team ensures these formalities are handled seamlessly so the process is as smooth and effortless as possible for you.
For share transfer properties, the process follows a different route. There is no appearance before the Royal Court; instead, completion takes place through a Share Vending Agreement, with Land Transaction Tax payable in place of stamp duty. We handle both freehold and share transfer transactions regularly and will advise you clearly on which structure applies to the property you are considering, ensuring the process is straightforward and fully understood from the outset.
It is a route to permanent residency for individuals who can demonstrate a significant economic contribution to the island. Applicants must meet minimum income and tax contribution thresholds, and applications are assessed by the Government of Jersey on a case-by-case basis.
Once a properly prepared application is submitted, an in-principal response is usually received within a few weeks. The overall timeline from initial enquiry to moving in depends on your individual circumstances and property availability, but we typically see the full process completed within a few months.
Not necessarily. You are welcome to attend, and many clients enjoy the experience – it is a uniquely Jersey tradition. But if you prefer, you can sign a Power of Attorney and a member of our team will appear on your behalf.
As a high value resident, you can purchase a freehold property, a flying freehold unit (typically apartments), or a share transfer apartment. We will explain the differences and help you understand what applies to the property you are interested in.
Jersey has no capital gains tax, no inheritance tax, and no VAT (though there is a goods and services tax at 5%). Income tax is levied at a standard rate of 20%, with a cap arrangement available for high value residents. We always recommend taking specialist tax advice alongside our legal guidance, and we can introduce you to trusted advisors.
Absolutely. We have been doing this long enough to have built strong relationships across the island, with estate agents, architects, private banks, schools, and healthcare providers. We are always happy to make introductions and share what we know about living in Jersey.
We provide a detailed fee quote at the outset, so you know exactly where you stand. Our fees are competitive with the larger firms, but you are getting direct partner-led attention throughout. No surprises, no hidden extras.
A Confidential Conversation
If you are exploring a move to Jersey, I would be pleased to discuss your plans confidentially and outline how we can assist. Whether you are at the early stages or ready to proceed, we are here to help you move forward with confidence.
