Despite boasting three miles of golden sands, a vibrant town centre, and ubiquitous history – this beautiful seaside town has witnessed its house prices slump by 3.3 per cent
Famed for its glorious beach, crystal-clear waters, and soaring cliffs – you’d expect this vibrant seaside town to be doubling its house prices by the minute. However, new analysis has shown several of the UK’s most-desired coastal spots are witnessing a major slump.
As previously showcased with our interactive map, average house prices in Cornwall jumped by 2.2 per cent last year to £293,000. But, not every town in the county saw substantial growth – including Perranporth, peacefully tucked away on the rugged north coast.
Known for its wild waves which attract surfers from across the world (and being the birthplace of the first UK surfboard), Perranporth is a chilled-out town jam-packed with things to do. You can spend your weekend strolling on soft golden sand, making sure to stop at Black Flag Brewery for a pint or aim for a hole-in-one at the Perranporth Golf Club. Like any good seaside resort, you’ll also be spoiled for choice when it comes to feasting on Fish & Chips.
“Perranporth has a rich and fascinating history: according to legend, St Piran, the patron saint of Cornwall, was cast into the sea from Ireland tied to a millstone and washed up on these sandy shores,” Visit Cornwall, the area’s official tourist board hailed. “He built a Christian oratory in the dunes and the story goes that his first disciples were a badger, a fox, and a bear! The ruins of this oratory, or the ‘lost church, dating from the 6th century are still preserved in the sanddunes to this day.”
Despite its eclectic offerings, research analysed by Regency Living found house prices in the town had fallen by 3.3 per cent over the last year (an average drop of £13,000). Despite the hefty reduction, average property prices in the region still remain north of £400,000 -almost double the national average.
“It’s certainly no coincidence that some of the most popular coastal locations boasting the most over-inflated house prices have also been subject to some of the largest market corrections over the last year,” said Tim Simmons of Regency Living. “Whilst the picture is certainly improving, homebuyers are continuing to contend with far higher mortgage rates than they’ve become accustomed to in recent years and this is restricting the price they can afford to pay at all levels of the property market.”
The property ace went on to argue that Brits haven’t fallen ‘out of love’ with the seaside, but are focusing more on cheaper coastal nations. “Affordability has always been a key issue across the nation’s most sought-after coastal locations, as high demand to live beside the seaside, coupled with a finite level of stock, has driven property prices up considerably,” he added.
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If moving to Perranporth is still out of your budget, the seaside town makes for a great mini staycation. Located more than 280 miles from London, it would take city folk around five hours and four minutes to drive here. Alternatively, you can get a four-hour-and-12-minute train ride from the Big Smoke to Truro – and then get a 19-minute taxi or 51-minute bus ride. If you’re flexible with dates, you can grab single adult fares for around £65.
Accommodation in Perranporth is limited due to its size, meaning it can get quite expensive. For example, a four-bed holiday home just 850 yards from the beach would set you back £3,080. This is based on two adults staying two nights, from Friday, June 6-8.
Those wanting to explore the coast on a budget should check out The Paddock Wildcamp, located 2.1 miles from Perranporth’s centre. You’ll be able to stay in a double-bed tent on the exact same nights for just £165.
*Prices based on Trainline and Booking.com listings at the time of writing.
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