Cornwall Property Market Update – August 2025

The latest Rightmove House Price Index shows that the UK property market is entering a more balanced phase, with strong levels of buyer activity set against an increase in homes for sale. Here in Cornwall, the picture is one of stability overall, though coastal hotspots are adjusting after years of rapid growth.

National Headlines

• Asking prices have dipped by around 1.2% in August, down by just under £5,000 to an average of £373,709.

• Annual growth remains flat, with prices only 0.1% higher than a year ago.

• Sales activity is robust, with agreed sales up 5% year-on-year, and buyer enquiries up 6% compared to last summer.

• Rightmove has revised its 2025 forecast, now expecting national asking prices to rise by around 2% this year, instead of the 4% originally predicted.

These figures highlight a market where realism on price is increasingly important, but demand from buyers remains reassuringly strong.

The Cornwall Property Market

Average Prices Hold Firm

In Cornwall, the average house price in May 2025 was £281,000, a modest 0.6% increase year-on-year (ONS). Detached homes remain the most sought-after, averaging around £427,000, while terraced properties are at £231,000 and flats at £154,000.

For comparison, the South West average is slightly higher at £304,000, while the UK as a whole sits at £269,000.

Strong Local Activity

Market momentum in Cornwall has been particularly encouraging. Compared with the same period last year:

• New property listings are up 13%

• Buyer demand has increased 8%

• Sales agreed are up by an impressive 15%

This suggests that, despite national headlines of price restraint, Cornwall continues to see healthy levels of activity.

Coastal Adjustments

Not all markets are moving at the same pace. Coastal and second-home hotspots are seeing more measured conditions:

• In Padstow, average values have slipped by around 4% compared with last year.

• In St Ives and other seaside towns, homes are taking longer to sell, and vendors are more likely to accept offers below asking price.

This cooling has been driven in part by tax changes affecting second homes and council tax increases, as well as the natural rebalancing of markets that have grown sharply in recent years.

Our Take on the Cornwall Property Market

From our experience at Philip Martin Estate Agents, these figures reflect what we’re seeing on the ground: buyer demand in Cornwall remains strong, particularly for well-priced detached homes and character properties however the increase in properties avaialble to the market ultimately means that competition for buyers remains high. Coastal towns that have seen rapid growth in recent years, such as St Ives and Padstow, are naturally experiencing a slight slowdown, but this is part of a market adjustment rather than a downturn.

For sellers, this means that realistic pricing and presentation are more important than ever. Homes that are priced in line with local demand are attracting serious interest, while properties with inflated asking prices can sit on the market for longer.

For buyers, the current market presents some great opportunities and to find value. The combination of stable prices, steady buyer interest, and increased stock gives serious buyers a chance to secure a property without the intense competition seen in previous years.

Overall, we see a resilient Cornish market: steady, active, and full of opportunities for both sellers and buyers who are prepared and informed.

Thinking of Buying or Selling in Cornwall?

Whether you’re planning to sell your home in Cornwall or are searching for your next property, having the right advice makes all the difference. At Philip Martin Estate Agents in Truro, we combine local knowledge with expert marketing to help sellers achieve the best price, and guide buyers to find the right home with confidence.

???? Call us today on 01872 242 244 or get in touch here to discuss your plans.

• If you’re considering selling, book a free, no-obligation property valuation with our team.

• If you’re buying, explore our latest houses for sale in Cornwall to see what’s on the market right now.

Figures in this article are drawn from the August 2025 Rightmove House Price Index and the latest ONS housing data for Cornwall.