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Sark

Sark is spectacular in both its scenery and its simplicity; the tranquil beauty by day is unmarred by cars and tarmac roads, whilst the exceptional blackness of the night skies make for spectacular stargazing and has recently made Sark the world’s first dark sky island.

The island is 3 miles long by 1.5 miles wide with approximately 400 residents, which increases during the summer months when visitors arrive to spend their holidays and enjoy the beauty, safety, peace and tranquility.

Sark is situated about 9 miles east of Guernsey and 12 miles north of Jersey with access only permissible by boat. There are regular ferries to Guernsey and Jersey where there are international airports. Fast charter boats accommodating up to 12 passengers are also available for those arriving or departing via Guernsey, Jersey or France. The flight time from Guernsey to London Gatwick is about 50 minutes by plane.

Sark governs its own affairs through ‘Chief Pleas’ – the island’s parliament- setting its own taxes and local legislation. Transport on Sark is restricted to the horse and carriage and the bicycle. Tractors are, however, permitted by licence for general farm and building work, carting of goods from the harbour, and personal transport of goods by arrangement. Everyday shopping facilities are available on Sark and there is a choice of restaurants, cafes, public houses and tourist accommodation types to suit all tastes and budgets, ranging from hotels to camping facilities.

Sark was historically divided into 40 ‘tenements’ by the original settlers from Jersey in 1565; these are still intact today as they have played a vital role in the island’s constitution. As the 40 tenements are still indivisible the majority of Sark’s property is purchased by way of secure leasehold, with individual leases varying in length from 1 year to 150 years. There are also a few freeholds that were separated from tenements many years ago; these and tenements themselves do become available to purchase through Sark Estate Agents, from time to time.  You will also note that properties listed on this website are classified as ‘open’ or ‘local’ market; any potential Sark resident would automatically have the right to purchase or rent an ‘open’ market property but ‘local’ market rental properties are restricted by specific criteria including a residency of Sark for 15 years or more.

Sark is welcoming, friendly and relaxed and we invite you to visit us to discover the unique charm and character of this island for yourself. We are happy to help with accommodation during your visit and will be pleased to meet you when you arrive as well as per­sonally conducting all property viewings during your stay. We understand that moving to Sark is likely to be a major event in your life and will help you in any way that we can.

For further tourist information and pictures please view the Sark tourism website, which includes a link to the Sark government website. Details of Guernsey to Sark boat times can be viewed at the Isle of Sark Shipping website

English speaking and sterling based, Sark offers residents a safe, high quality of life with few personal restrictions. Sark does not levy any income tax, inheritance tax, capital gains tax or value added tax on its resi­dents. It does, however, levy a property tax on each property and a personal tax on each resident who has a property available to them for 90 nights a year, based on a ‘forfait’ system. Within this system, which has a maximum tax of £9,000 per annum payable by any one individual, there are options for further residents to pay the minimum amount if applicable.

For further information, please contact Sark Estate Agents Ltd who will be pleased to answer any queries.