Cornish Guardian

LOSTWITHIEL / FOWEY NEWS

ALMOST 70 per cent of visitors to Fowey would consider moving to the county but are put off by rising property prices, a new survey has re­vealed.

More than 50 holidaymakers in the port were questioned by St Austell-based relocation spe­cialists Coast2Coast Properties during the past two months, with the vast majority wanting to up-sticks and live in the county.

Reasons given were beautiful scenery and the closeness of beaches, although lifestyle changes and 'escape from the city' were the clear fa­vourites.

However, the limited amount of mid-range priced property, combined with soaring house prices, were the primary concerns of most people wishing to relocate to the area, closely followed by worries over job opportunities. Others included lack of shops and healthcare.

Jamie Hanlon, managing director of Coast2Coast said: "Recent influxes of people have brought much needed investment and skills to the county, but because of a lack of reasonably priced housing provision and rocketing property prices we may be facing a reduction in relocators and so called 'down-sizers' from outside the region, as their move becomes more of a financial risk.

"It's still important that the county can attract younger families which may not have as much money, but who will contribute to the community and economy of Cornwall in the long-term."

Mr Hanlon felt although the average price of a house was continuing to rise, there were still reasonably priced properties available in certain areas, and people should not be put off from relocating to Cornwall.