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Where to buy a holiday home in Cornwall - Aerial view of Fowey

If you are considering buying an investment property in Cornwallthere are so many options when it comes to location, it can be a daunting prospect knowing where to begin your search.

In this article, we will highlight a few key things to look out for when searching for the perfect holiday home, along with our top 6 places where to buy a holiday home in Cornwall. 


Use the quick links below to find out about a particular location to invest in a self-catering property or continue reading for our top 6 places to buy a holiday home in Cornwall.

    1. Looe
    2. Porthleven
    3. Falmouth
    4. Praa Sands
    5. Fowey
    6. Sennen Cove

Location, location, location | Where to buy a holiday home in Cornwall

Where to buy a holiday home in cornwall - countryside retreat

As the saying goes – it’s all about the location. According to the Sykes Staycation Index 2021, Cornwall has been named one of the top ten fastest-growing staycation destinations in 2021 so it’s hardly surprising that this rising popularity has impacted the attractiveness of holiday letting as an investment opportunity in this county.

To ensure you receive the maximum number of bookings from your investment property in Cornwall, the biggest factor tends to be to be the popularity of the area in which your holiday let is located. Half of the most popular locations for 2021 are by the seaside. While the other half are popular walking destinations so, in order to make sure a property appeals to holidaymakers, we would advise its location fits within at least one of the criteria below:

  • Coastal setting
  • Countryside retreat
  • Convenient and accessible amenities

Coastal setting

The coast is a popular destination for most holidaymakers and there is no chance this trend is ever going to end, with seaside real estate one of the most sought after for a holiday property location. According to the Sykes Staycation Index 2021, a coastal property remains one of the top 5 money-earning properties achieving 7% more income. Leaving no doubt that a seaside property is a key ingredient for a successful holiday let.

In Cornwall, we are lucky to have a wonderful coastline, so even the most rural spots are often not far from a beach. From golden-sand beaches to rugged cliffs, tiny fishing villages and breath-taking vistas, it’s no wonder that so many people dream of a home by the sea.

Countryside retreat

The top three types of UK break, according to Brits are made up of cottage-style holiday homes, beachfront holiday home as well as lake and mountain retreats, so choosing a property set in an unspoilt, remote area is very appealing to holidaymakers. They will appreciate the quiet countryside, especially if they have travelled from the hustle and bustle of a city!

While areas such as St Ives and Padstow are great spots, they have become saturated with holiday properties over the last few years. These are certainly still very popular with holidaymakers, but you may end up paying a premium for a property in these areas. It’s important to weigh up the financial benefits and compare the expected rental yields for different locations.

It is worth considering some up-and-coming areas such as The Lizard, The Roseland Peninsula, Hayle, Wadebridge and Porthleven, which are all very desirable to potential guests visiting Cornwall for a holiday.

Convenient and accessible amenities

While splendid isolation is an appealing, it’s important to consider how practical a property is for self-catering breaks, and where amenities like food stores, the local petrol station, cash machine and restaurant are.

As a nation, it’s evident that we’ve missed a visit to the pubs, with 26% of us factoring their proximity when booking a holiday. So, whether it’s for the incredible food, local ales, it’s always worthwhile having a holiday property within walking distance, if not a short drive away from a pub.


Top 6 places to buy a holiday home in Cornwall

Below we have highlighted a few areas we would recommend to begin your search but there are a plethora of options out there. Here is a selection of our top 6 places to buy a holiday home in Cornwall:

1. Looe

East Cornwall

Looe Beach and Harbour, Cornwall

This stunning harbour town in East Cornwall with dramatic landscape of steep hill boasting river views is most definitely an up-and-coming area. Clearly a popular destination for many visitors it has been identified in the Sykes Staycation Index as 5th in the top 10 fastest growing holiday locations in 2021.

The town is split in two by Looe River, with a nineteenth century bridge connecting East Looe and West Looe. ­­­East Looe houses the harbour and main shopping centre, and the quieter West Looe has several shops and artisan restaurants.

Property prices in Looe are, on average, slightly lower than more famous areas, meaning you might get more for your money by setting up your holiday home in the East of Cornwall.

Average house price paid = £318,716*
Average house value = £308,273*

*House values and average prices are from Zoopla estimates from sales in the last 12 months


2. Porthleven

South West Cornwall

Porthleven, Cornwall

A holiday in Porthleven offers a wonderful escape from the stresses of everyday life and, as such, is a great choice for a holiday home. The harbour has much to enjoy in all seasons; in summer it has blue tranquil waters, while in winter, when the wind blows, watching the waves and storms crash dramatically into the bay is a scene to behold.

The curve of the harbour wall is lined with whitewashed houses and traditional silhouettes – with the iconic clock tower standing in the centre of the scene. There are some fabulous independent shops, galleries and eateries here, a real foodie destination. On the far side of the granite pier there is a lovely golden beach – the perfect spot for surfers and families at low tide.

Quaint coastal cottages line this harbour village and are certainly an attractive and memorable proposition as an investment property in Cornwall.

Average house price paid = £306,284
Average house value = £302,169


3. Falmouth

South Cornwall

Falmouth - Where to buy a holiday home in Cornwall

Falmouth is one of the most well-known resorts in Cornwall and with a wide variety of shops, pubs and restaurants, it’s a popular base for a holiday home. The many seasonal festivals including the Oyster Festival, Falmouth Week and a whole host of international sailing events, have really put Falmouth on the map.

There are fantastic local attractions which make Falmouth such a popular holiday destination. From the picturesque Pendennis Castle, overlooking Falmouth to the Ships and Castles swimming pool and Maritime Museum, there is plenty of choice for fun-filled activities. Or why not hop aboard the boats which tour the River Fal from the Prince of Wales Pier, where you can visit St Mawes or venture further up the river to discover Cornwall’s capital city of Truro.

Character filled townhouses line the streets surrounding the centre of Falmouth, which are perfect for holiday letting. You can choose to keep the house as one or convert into multiple apartments to increase your investment potential. There are also a handful of small villages in the surrounding areas which are worth considering, such as Mawnan Smith, Gweek, Constantine, Flushing, Mylor and many more.

Average house price paid = £383,561
Average house value = £379,836


4. Praa Sands

South Cornwall

Praa Sands in Cornwall near Penzance and Mullion

Situated on the South coast of Cornwall, roughly equidistant between Marazion and Penzance to the West and Helston to the East, the village of Praa Sands (often pronounced ‘Pray’) is home to a beautiful white sandy beach and close to many wonderful coves, such as Rinsey and Prussia.

It is a paradise for surfers and is a great place for families to enjoy time at the beach, providing a base for touring the West of Cornwall. On the sea front you’ll find a selection of shops, pubs and cafés to grab a refreshing drink or tasty meal. Unravel the local history of the area when exploring the 12th century Pengersick Castle. Providing every ingredient needed for a fantastic holiday, buying a holiday home here would be a great choice.

Average house price paid = £394,421
Average house value = £441,981


5. Fowey

East Cornwall

Boats on Fowey river in Cornwall

Closely following Looe, the coastal town of Fowey is 7th in the list of top 10 fastest growing holiday locations in 2021. Positioned in the natural harbour along the eastern coast of Cornwall, Fowey is a small but busy port with many idyllic medieval and Tudor cottages which attracts countless visitors each year.

Fowey was a major anchorage in the fourteenth century and was more recently used for the export of china clay. St Catherine’s Castle is close by, as well as the picturesque harbour. Fowey Museum, located in the town hall is open throughout the summer, providing a very interesting insight into the town’s eventful past. The town boasts picture-perfect views over Fowey’s estuary and across to the ancient fishing village of Polruan, which is easily accessible via a short ferry ride.

There are some fantastic seasonal events nearby, including the annual Fowey Festival of Arts, which usually takes place in May. As such, Fowey is an excellent option for an investment property in Cornwall with holiday letting potential.

Average house price paid = £519,542
Average house value = £462,558


6. Sennen Cove

West Cornwall

Sennen Harbour, Cornwall

The village is steeped in history with places such as The Old Success Inn which is over 400 years old. The beach at Sennen Cove is called Whitesands Bay, with almost a mile of fine sand stretching around to neighbouring Gwenver Beach. Surfing and sandcastles are a perfect pastime here.

Sennen Cove is also just a stroll from world famous Lands End, meaning a holiday home here is perfectly positioned to appeal to guests wishing to visit one of Cornwall’s most iconic stretches of coastline.

The bustling town of Penzance is nearby, with a selection of independent eateries and shops in the high street. It is also home to the UK’s largest art deco seawater lido, the Jubilee Pool, a geothermally heated outdoor facility which is well worth a visit.

Average house price paid = £775,000
Average house value = £460,914


Think about your future guests

Boot Rack at Cornwall Holiday Home

When considering a location for your holiday home, also try to picture what your guests may enjoy doing on their holiday and try to accommodate for this at your property. For example, if you are close to a river or woods, adding a boot station is a nice touch but will also help keep much of the dirt at the door! Or if by the coast, perhaps an outdoor area to store wetsuits and hose them down.

A good-sized enclosed garden will be important for families and those with dogs for space to run around. While a large open plan living space is a good idea when it comes to attracting larger groups to your property.


Finding the right holiday letting agency in Cornwall

Now this is where we come in… with over 50 years’ experience, we know a thing or two about holiday letting in Cornwall. With a local and knowledgeable team on hand to assist our holiday homeowners, letting with us really is hassle-free.

We know buying a holiday cottage is a very big step and it is important to get it right. To help make your decision easier, we can provide a free income projection for any property you are considering, as well as providing potential income figures for your mortgage provider.

Holiday letting doesn’t have to be a hassle, and as long as you have all the information you need at your disposal, you can make the journey all the more rewarding and enjoyable. Read our in-depth article which will give insight on what to know if you are thinking of buying a holiday home to let in Cornwall.

You may still have lots of questions as you consider buying a holiday let, that’s why we’ve created some helpful guides to answer any queries you may have. Simply click the links below to find out more.


Let your cottage

If you’re interested in letting your holiday property or are considering purchasing one, visit our Let Your Cottage page or why not give our friendly team a call on 01326 336773 (select option 2 for owner enquiries).

*Please note: House values and average prices are from Zoopla estimates from sales in the last 12 months and were correct at the time of writing. We try to ensure the information is up to date where possible.