Cornwall most popular region to search for cottages for sale

Famous for its pasties, beaches and quaint seaside villages, Cornwall is one of the most beloved holiday destinations in Britain. However, in recent years, Cornwall has seen a surge of interest in its property market, with many people wanting to own their own little slice of the Cornish countryside.

New research by housing and mortgage experts GlobalHousePrices.com has revealed that there was an average of 3,600 online searches for cottages for sale in Cornwall each month, from January to March 2022. This makes it the most popular region in the UK amongst individuals looking to buy a cottage. It received an average of 700 more online searches than neighbouring county Devon, as well as an average of 1,700 more searches than the Cotswolds, which was the third most googled destination concerning cottages for sale.

There are plenty of beautiful views to enjoy when walking down the southwest coast path, so it's little wonder that so many people are considering the purchase of a cottage in Cornwall.

Why is Cornwall the most popular region to buy a cottage?

Cornwall is well-known for its dramatic coastlines, picturesque fishing villages and delicious food and drink. Many celebrities choose to buy holiday homes in the area, as do hundreds of other individuals around the country, largely due to the stunning views in the county and the friendly locals. In February 2021, Rightmove reported that Cornwall was the most googled area in England and Wales, although it has since been moved to second place after London.

In recent years, more and more people are also looking to move out of the city and into the countryside for a slower pace of life. Cornwall is also a golden opportunity for those looking to invest in holiday homes. The southwest county is a very popular tourist destination, especially during the summer months, with around four million people visiting Cornwall each year.

Cornwall has a population of nearly 570,000 people, which makes it the 40th most populated county of the 48 counties in England. It is also the 41st most densely populated county in England, which means that it is the perfect place to move to in order to avoid the hustle and bustle of city life.

Properties in Cornwall were traditionally made from local materials such as slate, stone and render, which are still commonly used today. Due to the large fishing industry in the county, many cottages are located near golden sandy beaches and docks, which provide glorious views and an insight into this historic way of life. There are over 422 miles of coast in Cornwall and over 25% of the county's land is designated as Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

How much do properties in Cornwall cost?

According to recent government research, properties in Cornwall cost an average of £270,079. The house prices in the county are approximately nine times the average earnings in the area, although there is some variation across smaller towns and villages in the area. The increased interest in properties in Cornwall has seen the average property prices increase, with a 15% rise between 2020 and 2021.

House prices in Cornwall have seen a sharper increase than the average property prices in England and Wales. However, earnings in Cornwall are below average at approximately £20,710, which is 80% of the UK average.

Around 20% of properties in Cornwall are in the private rented sector, which is estimated to be between 37,000 and 50,000. The average monthly rent for a privately-owned three-bed property in the county is £795, whilst local authority rent costs an average of £307 across all-size properties.

Where is the best place to buy property in Cornwall? 

In another survey, Rightmove named Newquay as the most population location on the housing market in Cornwall. During the first quarter of 2021, eight of ten listed properties were sold, which was the fastest sale rate anywhere in the UK. The average property price in Newquay is £314,347, according to sold house prices available on Rightmove, whilst flats were the most popular type of property to sell in the town.

The town is often referred to as the surfing capital of England and is also home to Cornwall's largest zoo. It has some of the county's best beaches, including Fistral Beach, Porth Beach and Watergate Bay. Newquay's airport has links to various UK cities, including Manchester and Birmingham, as well as Heathrow.

St Minver, St Kew and Rural Wadebridge are ranked as having the highest house price to net income ratio, closely followed by Padstow, St Eval and Is Issey. At the other end of the scale, Torpoint has the lowest house price to net income ratio, whilst Saltash East and Liskeard rank jointly with the second-lowest ratio.

What are the top tips for buying property in Cornwall?

There are plenty of things that you should keep an eye out for or consider during your property search in Cornwall, especially if it is your first time buying property in the county.

It's important to find a good estate agency covering southwest areas. Local estate and lettings agents will be able to give you exclusive information about new properties that have been added to their books. Estate agents can handle various aspects of your property buying journey, such as booking viewings and property management if you are looking to rent out the cottage. It's also a good idea to ask for a free agent valuation of your property so that you know how much your current property is likely to sell for.

You should also make a list of things that you are looking for in a property before you begin your search. Do you want a double garage, landscaped gardens, or a heated swimming pool? Or do you just want a good-sized family bathroom, several double bedrooms and an open plan kitchen-diner? These can all be key decision-makers when it comes to deciding on your ideal property.

Should I buy a holiday house or a permanent home in Cornwall?

Cornwall is one of the most popular locations in Cornwall to buy a holiday home. There are just over 11,000 properties in Cornwall that are classed as holiday homes and just over 13,000 properties are second homes. These figures show that around one in every 21 houses is classed as second homes, which is five times the national average.

However, whilst buying a second or holiday home in Cornwall is popular, it may not be the right choice for you. Many locals in Cornwall aren't happy about the number of second homes in the county as residents struggle to find places to buy for themselves. This means that you may face some resentment from locals, which could be avoided if you buy a Cornish home as your permanent residence.

Temporarily living in Cornwall may also prevent you from fully understanding the culture and community of the area, especially if you only visit the county during peak tourist season.