Cornwall Local Property Guide
Welcome to Cornwall
Natural wonders, beautiful beaches, a 422-mile coastline, world-class cuisine and a fascinating Celtic background – it’s little wonder why Cornwall is one of the most sought-after places to live in the UK. In fact, a century ago, writer Virginia Woolf asked, “Why am I so incredibly and incurably romantic about Cornwall?” It’s a question we’re still asking.
When you think of the county of Cornwall, you may conjure up images of moors and coasts, history and heritage, myths and legends, smugglers and saints – not forgetting the famous Cornish pasties! Cornwall, or 'Kernow' in Cornish, has a unique Celtic heritage and a captivating history, sculpted by the wild coastline and isolation from the rest of the country. There are plenty of activities for both residents and tourists alike to stay active, all while taking in the phenomenal coastal views.
Cornwall is home to wild moors, quaint fishing villages, Land's End, and has a rich heritage of art, music and literature. It's also the only English county to boast its own language: Cornish. And there’s plenty of culture in every nook and cranny.
As for the residents, there is a mix of young professionals, families, lifelong residents and celebrities. The locals are warm and welcoming, while communities work together to boost sustainability and tourism. Whether you’re selling your home or searching for houses in Cornwall for sale to suit your needs, read on.
Find your local estate agent in Cornwall
Cornwall remains a much-loved destination for tourists and home buyers alike. Post-pandemic, Cornwall saw an uptick of buyers looking to move into the area to benefit from the slower pace of life, community spirit and unbeatable views. If you have a property to sell in Cornwall, you’d be wise to take advantage of the demand from buyers hoping to call this area home.
Whether you need professional photography, an EPC certificate or would like hosted viewings and Rightmove listings, your local Purplebricks agent in Cornwall will tailor services to suit your selling needs. Talk to your local expert who understands Cornwall house sales by booking a free valuation.
What’s it like living in Cornwall?
Ask any local in Cornwall, and they’ll say that the county has an unmatched personality. The slow pace of life welcomes those who want to escape the rat race, and it’s certainly one of the most beautiful places to spend spring and autumn. It comes alive in the sunshine, and the locals keep it running smoothly throughout winter. While some may seek the buzz in lively Truro, others may crave the solace of ‘end-of-the-line’ Penzance. There’s something for everyone.
If you’re thinking of looking for houses, bungalows or cottages in Cornwall to buy, take a peek at what you should know about living in the area.
Getting around Cornwall
Cornwall sits on the southwest coast of England, boasting the most southerly and westerly points on mainland Britain at Land’s End and Lizard Point. As Cornwall is expansive, expect to get nowhere fast – the slow pace of life is one of the main reasons for moving here. That said, there are plenty of ways to move around Cornwall and beyond.
The Newquay Cornwall Airport is the main airport in the area, with daily flights to London Gatwick, Manchester and St. Mary’s. For further afield, there are seasonal routes to Belfast, Birmingham, Edinburgh, Newcastle, Belfast and beyond.
By train
The First Great Western Railway services Cornwall, running the main line through the centre of the county, carrying passengers from London Paddington all the way to Penzance. The train takes between 5 and 6 hours. Other lines, such as the CrossCountry, run regular routes multiple times a day from Penzance.
By road
There are two main roads into Cornwall: the A30 and A38. The A30 runs between Exeter and Penzance, while the A38 runs from Mansfield to Bodmin – this was the main route until the opening of the M5. Other roads into the county include the A39 from Barnstaple to Bude and the A3072 that runs from central Devon to Bude.
There's also the A3930 from Tavistock to Liskeard. Be patient and stay alert – many of the roads between the towns and villages are narrow with high verges. Keep in mind that the roads are busy in the summer months from the influx of tourists.
By bike
Why not leave the car and explore some of the great cycle tracks around Cornwall? The county is filled with cycle trails that avoid traffic on the roads. There are many locations to pick up a hire bike or e-bike and guide yourself around some incredible trails. Try the Camel Trail: a 17-mile route from Padstow to Bodmin that includes a fun off-road adventure!
The cost of living in Cornwall
Cornwall’s cost of living is higher than many would expect, thanks to the tourism and retirement markets. That said, you can still get away with an affordable budget when moving and living in the area – and it’s still cheaper than living in London.
When looking for a property in Cornwall for sale, there are plenty of beautiful options. From coastal cottages to rural houses, there is a whole lot of charm embedded in the Cornwall property market.
Cornwall houses for sale
As a picturesque tourist destination, it’s no surprise that the houses in Cornwall for sale are hot, hot, hot. This is largely due to the attractiveness of coastal areas as well as people retiring to idyllic village life. Detached properties tend to be quite steep, especially if they are rural or have sea views, but with their enviable setting and views, you can see the benefit of buying bigger.
However, like any county, there are much cheaper areas in which to buy property. If you want to keep hold of a bit more money, living in the larger in-land towns is much more inexpensive.
The average house price in Cornwall is currently £316,182 (according to the UK House Price Index), attracting young professionals, established families and retirees. From 4-bedroom townhouses to quaint cottages and suitable bungalows, there is a vast array of properties for sale in Cornwall on offer.
Whatever you’re looking for, there are affordable houses for sale in Cornwall. Take a look at the average house prices (at the time of writing, December 2023):
Detached house: £466,726
Semi-detached: £307,693
Terraced: £251,644
Flat: £170,417
Are you thinking of calling Cornwall home? Let’s take a look at a handful of the top neighbourhoods to consider.
Neighbourhoods in Cornwall
St Ives
Average property price: £497,120
If you’ve seen any pictures of Cornwall before, then you’ve likely seen St. Ives – a picturesque harbour town rightly considered one of Cornwall’s gems. The soft, white sand beaches and Mediterranean light attract plenty of tourists from around the globe but continue to capture the heart of locals on a daily basis. The cobbled streets and independent shops inspire a connective community.
Put down roots here and you'll find it's a great place to raise a family, with lots to do, good schools, great transport links and a safer environment than many places in the UK. There is an array of properties for sale in St Ives, Cornwall, with ocean-view villas, smart contemporary homes and terraced pads to suit a range of lifestyles and stages of life.
Padstow
Average property price: £567,394
Padstow is a pretty, bustling harbour town built on a hillside with incredible views over the Camel Estuary. The narrow, winding streets set back from the harbour offer a wealth of sweet cottages with individual quirks to admire. It’s known as the foodie capital of the southwest of England thanks to the presence of TV chef Rick Stein, who has a thriving restaurant in the area.
In many ways, Padstow sums up all that is great about Cornwall – a vibrant, small town surrounded by stunning countryside, outdoor activities and beautiful beaches. In addition to a wide choice of properties for sale, there are superb schools for the kids.
Looe
Average property price: £323,685
A historic fishing village with oodles of charm, Looe is perfectly positioned for a commute into Plymouth, all while offering the benefits of a small community. It’s divided into two halves by the River Looe – East Looe and West Looe. The combination of river and seascapes means there are always great views to enjoy.
Not only is Looe a sweet coastal town, but it’s close to Devon’s border as well as the City of Plymouth, both of which are easily accessible. For commuters into Plymouth, Looe makes a wonderful respite from city living, with a great variety of homes, schooling and amenities to enjoy.
Penzance
Average property price: £324,386
Penzance’s name comes from the original “Pennsans”, which means Holy Headland in the Cornish language. The town has strong connections to all cultural exhibitions, from engaging galleries to theatres and music venues. Be sure to visit Land's End for a remoteness like no other. Then, head into town and you'll find a quirky high street boasting an assortment of independent retailers. From antique dealers and art galleries to eco-friendly products, there's an eclectic mix. The schooling is excellent, as are the transport links.
Truro
Average property price: £369,000
Truro is the county town of Cornwall and home to a neo-Gothic Victorian cathedral, the county’s only cathedral. Despite it being a city, it offers a relaxed semi-urban lifestyle in a quiet part of the country. There are great transport links within wider Cornwall and the rest of the country. Plus, the beach is only a short drive away, meaning you get the best blend of urban and beach lifestyles.
With a potpourri mix of cobbled streets, stone terraces and palm trees, it's a unique city where locals love to live. It has a buzzing community with plenty of properties on offer, from refined Victorian villas to late Regency townhouses. Many of the schools are rated Ofsted ‘outstanding’ and there are two independent schools for families moving into the area.
Falmouth
Average property price: £385,450
There’s little doubt that this attractive town on the estuary of the River Fal makes a great place to live with its lovely beaches and arty vibes. Even though you’re far from the bright lights and hubbub of London, Falmouth brings its own sense of eccentricity, shopping, dining and all-round variety.
Falmouth remains a busy, working port for the southwest of England, which means it’s bustling and lived-in year-round. There are excellent state and private schools, a university, a local hospital and a mainline train station.
Search all Cornwall houses for sale.
Cornwall fact pack
Cornwall has its own flag – Saint Piran’s Flag that dates back to 1188.
The coastline around Cornwall is 422 miles long, with 300 beaches.
There are over 385 types of plants thriving in Cornwall, thanks to the mild climate.
Time to London: 5 hours
Population: 565,968
Average temperature in winter: 7C
Average temperature in summer: 19C
Average house price: £316,182
Average monthly rent: £919
Schools: 256 primary schools, 55 secondary schools
Helpful links
All of the city services and information, including schools, parking and healthcare:
Transport in and around Cornwall:
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Cornwall properties for sale
With a spectacular coastline, quaint harbours and welcoming communities, Cornwall is a popular holiday destination, but also a great place to live. Maybe you’re ready for the fresh sea air and slower pace of live, or you want your children to enjoy the outdoors by surfing, swimming and rock pooling. Perhaps you’re craving the wild moorland and endless walks along the beach. Whatever your reasons for moving to this idyllic part of the country, start looking for property in Cornwall for sale here.
If you’re thinking of selling your house in Cornwall, you may want to take advantage of the demand from buyers looking to move into this county. To start your selling journey, talk to your local estate agent in Cornwall with a free house valuation.