Relocating to Cornwall
Trading city life for the Cornish coast?
Moving down from Bristol, London or anywhere else in the UK is a big step. We're a Cornish broker who helps people make the move — from keeping your remote job to buying the right home here.
The four things that trip up people moving down
Most relocation mortgages are straightforward once these are handled early. Leave them late and they can cost you the house.
Keeping your city salary
Lenders want to know your job still works from Cornwall — usually a letter from your employer confirming remote or hybrid working.
If you'll commute occasionally, we check the travel is realistic and budgeted.
Changing jobs as part of the move? Timing matters: many lenders want you past probation, some don't.
Selling up and moving down
Sell first, buy first, or rent locally while you find the right place — we map out the options and the risks.
Porting your current rate versus a new deal, and what early repayment charges would cost.
Using city equity well: deposit size, borrowing less, or keeping a cushion for renovation.
Cornish property quirks
Mundic block testing, granite and slate-hung walls, cob and other non-standard construction.
Septic tanks, private water, flying freeholds and coastal access issues that come up at survey.
Principal-residence restrictions on some new builds in coastal towns, and properties with holiday-let history.
Getting your offer taken seriously
Popular Cornish homes can go quickly and agents favour buyers who are ready to proceed.
An agreement in principle arranged before you travel down for viewings.
A local broker the agent can call, who knows the area and the lenders.
Deciding where to live?
Our local guides cover house prices, the types of property and what lenders look out for in each area.
Truro
Cornwall's city — hospital, schools, mainline rail to London.
Newquay
Surf capital with a lively town, airport and fast-growing new homes.
Falmouth
Harbour town with a university buzz and beaches on the doorstep.
St Agnes
Dramatic north coast village, popular with families and surfers.
Wadebridge
Market town on the Camel Trail, close to Padstow and Rock.
Fowey
Quiet estuary town on the south coast, full of character.
St Ives
Harbour, beaches and galleries in one of Cornwall's best-loved towns.
Padstow
Famous harbour and food scene on the Camel Estuary.
Penzance
West Cornwall living with better value and sleeper trains.
Rural & remote Cornwall
Farmhouses, clifftop cottages and countryside away from the towns. Private drainage, own water supply and unusual construction are common, so lender choice matters.
Want the numbers? See Cornwall house prices and our stamp duty calculator.
How we help
We'll start with a free chat about where you are now and where you want to be. Then we look at what you could borrow on your income as it will be after the move, plan the sale and purchase, and arrange an agreement in principle before you start viewing.
No broker fees for first-time buyers. For other cases, any fee is agreed with you in writing before we start — see our fees.
Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage.
Currency transfers
Moving your deposit home? A fraction of a percent is real money.
Through our FX partner we may be able to offer rates that compare competitively with major providers on large transfers. As an illustration, on £250,000 every 0.1% difference in the rate is worth £250. One recent client saved 2.09% on their transfer, which on £250,000 would be £5,225.
| Provider | Typical margin | Cost of exchange | Difference vs example |
|---|---|---|---|
| Our FX partner (example) | 0.20% | £500 | — |
| Online money transfer app | 0.45% | £1,125 | +£625 |
| Digital bank | 0.60% | £1,500 | +£1,000 |
| Traditional FX broker | 1.00% | £2,500 | +£2,000 |
| High-street bank | 3.00% | £7,500 | +£7,000 |
0.10% rate gap
£250
0.25% rate gap
£625
0.50% rate gap
£1,250
1.00% rate gap
£2,500
Illustrative examples only, using hypothetical margins over the mid-market rate. They are not quotes, are not based on any named provider and do not guarantee any rate or saving. Actual rates depend on currency, amount, market conditions and timing, and are set and confirmed solely by the FX provider. Exchange rates can move against you before a transfer completes.
Contact Us
Ready to discuss your mortgage needs? Contact us today for expert advice tailored to your situation.
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Phone
01326 536 080Office Address
Unit 7b Bickland Water Road,
Falmouth, England,
TR11 4SZ
Consultations by phone or video call. Face-to-face appointments available (same day possible) — please phone or email in advance to arrange.