'Population law could push up house prices'
A DIRECTOR of an estate agency thinks the new population management law could push house prices up.
But it is not yet clear what the full impact of the recently-implemented law will be on the market.
Martel Maides director Richard Fox was involved in the consultations with Home Affairs as part of the Guernsey Property Forum.
'We've been making representations, both on our own and through the forum, for six or seven years,' he said, 'but some of the finer points of the law have become apparent only recently.
He believed this could inflate the local market, in both rental and sale sectors.
His thoughts echo concerns raised by some States members during debate on introducing the law last week.
He was also concerned about what this will mean for the open market.
'The open market is already going through difficult times,' said Mr Fox.
'Demand has fallen in the last five to six years, but I'm sure that will change in time as the market repositions itself.
