Enterprise minister doesn't know how many properties are owned by those off-Island

The Island's enterprise minister says he doesn't know how many Island properties are owned by people living elsewhere.

In the House of Keys this week, Tim Johnston MHK faced questions on the issue from Arbory, Castletown and Malew MHK Jason Moorhouse.

Mr Johnston explained people don't have to declare where they live when buying a property and so no data is held by government.

But he added new laws mean more tax for property buyers based off the Island from May 1, and so the government will be able to gather the information in future.