Property Law · Guernsey
Find property lawyers in Guernsey for your matter
Guernsey’s legal system blends Norman customary law with English common law. Whether you are buying, selling, leasing or in dispute over real property, our platform connects you with a specialised Advocate. Get matched within 24–48 hours at no cost.
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Why Guernsey property law requires local Advocates
A distinct legal system for property matters
Guernsey is a Crown Dependency with its own legislature, courts and body of law. Property transactions and disputes are governed by a mix of Norman customary law and English common law, so it is essential to work with property lawyers in Guernsey who understand local rules such as prescription, realty and personalty, and the customary enforcement procedure known as saisie. Advocates of the Royal Court are the only lawyers with full rights of audience in the Bailiwick, and they handle both non-contentious and contentious property matters. Our platform helps you find the right specialist without charge, with a response within 24–48 hours. We do not provide legal advice; we match you with an Advocate who can advise on your specific situation.
Local framework
How property law works in Guernsey
Guernsey’s legal system is a mixed one: Norman customary law underpins private law, while English common law and statute have been grafted on. This creates specific rules for real property that differ from the United Kingdom. Below are key features to understand before instructing a lawyer.
Realty and personalty: two estates
Guernsey law sharply distinguishes land and buildings (realty) from movables such as cash and shares (personalty). A will of Guernsey realty is a public document at the Greffe, which is why practitioners often recommend separate wills. No probate is required for realty upon death, and there is no inheritance tax. Forced heirship rules were abolished in 2012.
Conveyancing and the Contracts Court
The Royal Court’s Contracts Court attests conveyances and registered charges. Property transactions are typically handled by Advocates, who are officers of the Royal Court and must be members of the Guernsey Bar. A conveyancing matter may involve a preliminary contract, a conveyance passed before the Court, and registration at the Greffe.
Property disputes in the Royal Court
The Royal Court’s Ordinary Court exercises general civil jurisdiction, including property disputes. In civil cases, a judge decides law and procedure, while Jurats—elected lay members—are judges of fact. Appeals lie to the Guernsey Court of Appeal and, ultimately, the Privy Council. Prescription periods differ from English limitation and extinguish the right of action.
Prescription for property-related claims
Guernsey applies prescription, which extinguishes the right of action rather than merely barring the remedy. For example, contractual claims must be brought within six years of the breach; tort claims within six years of accrual; and personal injury claims within three years. These periods are strict, so early advice is essential.
Enforcement against land: saisie
Enforcement against Guernsey real property follows the customary procedure known as saisie, dealt with by the Royal Court sitting en Plaids d’Heritage. For money claims, enforcement is carried out by HM Sheriff after judgment. Commencing proceedings requires a summons handed to HM Sergeant for service, which interrupts prescription.
Key time limits — Property & Real Estate Law
| Matter | Deadline | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Residential and commercial leases (eviction/notice) | Notice equal to rental period; immediate for arrears | Weekly or monthly notice; immediate if in arrears. |
| Rent control (controlled tenancies) | 12 months before eviction proceedings; 1 month for tenant to apply; 3 months to appeal | Landlord cannot evict within 12 months of Rent Officer’s decision; tenant may apply within 1 month; appeal within 3 months. |
Data derived from official sources of the Bailiwick of Guernsey, the Royal Court, and the Guernsey Bar, current as of August 2026.
- Legal and Court System in Guernsey
- Guernsey Bar
- Advocates of the Royal Court
- Collas Crill Explains Prescription
- Defamation & Reputation Management 2026 – Guernsey
- Prescription and Limitation: When Should You Bring a Claim?
- Time Limits: How Guernsey’s Prescription Rules Differ from English Limitation
- Requirements – Employment
- Matrimonial Causes
- Evictions
- Rent Control (Controlled Tenancies)
- Court of Appeal (Guernsey) Law, 1961
- Costs and Fees Rules
Common challenges
Why property matters in Guernsey need local expertise
Avoid pitfalls that arise from a unique legal system.
Uncertainty about Guernsey’s distinct rules
Guernsey’s mix of Norman customary law and English common law means standard advice from elsewhere may not apply. Prescription periods and realty–personalty distinctions can catch you off guard without local expertise.
Risk of missing strict deadlines
Prescription extinguished the right of action, not just the remedy. For property claims, the clock runs from breach, accrual or knowledge, and missing a deadline can mean losing your claim entirely.
Finding a lawyer with court rights
Not every lawyer can appear before the Royal Court. Only Advocates of the Royal Court have full rights of audience, and they must be members of the Guernsey Bar. Our matching connects you with the right professional.
Why use our matching service
We connect you with the right property Advocate
Free, fast and tailored to your needs.
Local Advocates only
We match you exclusively with Advocates of the Royal Court, who are qualified in Guernsey law and have full rights of audience. They handle conveyancing, disputes and enforcement procedures like saisie.
Free and fast matching
Our service costs nothing for clients. You describe your property matter, and we respond within 24–48 hours with a shortlist of suitable Advocates. No obligation to proceed.
Clarity on costs
Guernsey Advocates bill by hourly rates, and court fees are fixed. We help you understand recoverable costs and legal aid eligibility so you can make informed decisions from the start.
Trusted local knowledge
Our network understands the Royal Court, Jurats, prescription and the Greffe. They advise on realty and personalty, wills, leases and disputes, ensuring your matter is handled correctly.
Serving clients across Europe
Matched with lawyers in nearby jurisdictions
While our focus is Guernsey, we also facilitate connections in other European jurisdictions. Explore our network.
Frequently asked questions
Common questions about property lawyers in Guernsey
What is the difference between realty and personalty in Guernsey?
Guernsey law distinguishes land and buildings (realty) from movables like cash and shares (personalty). A will of realty is public record, and no probate is needed for realty on death. This distinction affects estate planning and property transfers.
Which court handles property disputes in Guernsey?
The Royal Court’s Ordinary Court exercises general civil jurisdiction, including property disputes. A judge decides law and procedure, while Jurats are judges of fact. Appeals lie to the Guernsey Court of Appeal and ultimately the Privy Council.
What is prescription in Guernsey property law?
Prescription extinguishes the right of action, unlike limitation which only bars the remedy. For example, contractual property claims must be brought within six years of breach. Early advice is crucial because the right is lost, not just the remedy.
How do I enforce a judgment against land in Guernsey?
Enforcement against real property uses the customary procedure saisie, heard by the Royal Court sitting en Plaids d’Heritage. For money claims, HM Sheriff executes after judgment. A summons must be served by HM Sergeant to start proceedings.
Do I need a local lawyer for a Guernsey property matter?
Yes, property lawyers in Guernsey understand the mixed legal system and have full rights of audience. Only Advocates of the Royal Court can appear and advise on Guernsey property law. Our matching service connects you with them for free.
What are the typical costs for a property lawyer in Guernsey?
Advocates bill hourly; recoverable rates are capped by the Costs and Fees Rules, currently £351 per hour for Advocates. Court fees are fixed. Legal aid may be available for eligible individuals. We can help you find a lawyer within your budget.
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