Why An Alderney Property Is Such An Excellent
Insurance For Drifting World –Wide Expatriates
Alderney; part of the Bailiwick of Guernsey in the Channel Islands, is the smaller, prettier sister island to the heavy hitting and somewhat sinister Guernsey. Property on Alderney has always been reasonably priced and eminently affordable. Basically, you can help yourself to a more than substantial 5 bedroom house with grounds for around £500,000. Smaller properties are around £200-300,000. This compares with millions for similar properties on Guernsey and Jersey. What people do not know is that the tax advantages are exactly the same on all the islands. With a maximum tax ceiling of £75,000 per annum. A base in Alderney is thus very attractive not only because of its village harbour lifestyle and breathtaking beaches.
Frequently, we at MEPM Property are asked by customers about their global tax affairs and which jurisdiction would suit them. They are looking for stability. Outside the EU. Not too far and they distrust Dubai and Panama. They can not afford Singapore or Switzerland and they do not want to spend millions on the solution.
We often mention Alderney as it lies only 8 km from high taxing France. It is not part of the EU and yet has sterling as its currency. It has a full Norman law legal system and it is easy to navigate and organise a purchase. Income tax is 10%, with social security at 11%. For the seriously rich, there is a maximum tax ceiling of £75,000 per annum. There is no inheritance tax and no capital gains tax.
When people see that they are enjoying a curious combination of a French village which is English speaking, a tax & legal system that they trust and understand plus excellent value quality housing, often with stunning seascapes and Gulf Stream rich gardens. This little known 3 x 2 mile island in the English Channel suddenly becomes a point of serious interest.
The island has an airport with direct flights to Guernsey (10 minutes by plane) and the UK mainland only 30 minutes away. There is also a highly energized community with arts, theatre and sporting festivals being put on throughout the year. It also has ten superb restaurants, eleven pubs and three excellent hotels. The pretty capital is St Anne with quaint cobbled streets and a shopping promenade. It also enjoys a buzzing harbour area with shops, supermarkets and restaurants. The sports tableaux offers golf, tennis, surfing, rugby, football, snooker, fencing, badminton and even a croquet club!
The island is also strikingly rich in historical military architecture with seven Victorian forts to be explored which are often used as venues for some of the Arts Festivals. Recently, archaeologists have discovered one of the largest Roman port villages complete with a Roman fort. Though perhaps it is in Wildlife where Alderney really excels. It is one of the most varied ornithological locations in the UK. The stunning cliff walks take you round to some of the important marine bio-spheres in the world. Some holding creatures indigenous to pre-historic times.
So for a rich, vibrant less taxing life full of natural beauty and a great little community. Little known Alderney is the global tax wanderer’s best kept secret.
To find out more about buying in Alderney contact MEPM Managing Director Edward Hill
What to find out more about investing in Alderney? Why not book an Experience with MEPM Property, which include a Property Discovery Tour