BBCA government minister has agreed a taxpayer-owned five bedroom house with a swimming pool can be sold for £790,000, as it “represents a financial burden to the public”.
Caroldene, on La Rue de la Hauteur, St Helier, is one of dozens of residential units in the Government of Jersey’s property portfolio, which was found in 2021 to have a total market value of more than £1bn.
The house had been placed back on the market for £850,000 after a previous offer of £800,000 fell through, said Minister for Infrastructure, Andy Jehan.
It was described by estate agents Gaudin & Co as a “substantial five-bedroom detached residence” with two bathrooms, a sunroom, and a double garage.
‘Investment required’
In a ministerial decision, Jehan said the previous offer had been withdrawn by the prospective purchasers in November 2025.
“Following that withdrawal, the agent re-marketed the property,” he said.
“The property was re-listed for sale at £850,000, and a new offer of £790,000 has since been received.
“Given the property’s current condition and the level of investment required to restore it to a habitable standard, this offer is considered to be reasonable.”
Government documents confirmed the States approved the purchase of the building in 1991 for £225,000, “in order that part of the garden might be used to provide improved access to the States Loan development at Le Jardin de la Hauteur”.
They added “the Housing Committee had no use for the accommodation and it was agreed that the property should be handed over to the Defence Committee for use by the Territorial Army” as housing.
Jersey’s quarterly house price index figures do not list the average sale prices of five bedroom homes.
However, the latest report said that the average price of a four bedroom house sold in quarter three 2025 was £1,280,000.
In signing the ministerial decision, Jehan authorised the Attorney General, the Greffier of the States and the director of Jersey Property Holdings to pass and conclude “any contract which is required” on behalf of the public in relation to the sale of the property.
“Each party will be responsible for their own costs,” the document added.
Ministers agreed in July 2025 to dispose of the property, as they considered that it “represents a financial burden to the public”.