4 KEY QUESTIONS TO ASK YOURSELF BEFORE RELOCATING TO CORNWALL
There is no question that the pandemic has changed the way we live and work. The phenomenon of a ‘London exodus’ is now well documented – many are choosing to leave the capital and other big cities in search of a better work-life balance and greater quality of life in more remote locations.
Employers have adapted to the new realities by increasing remote working practices for their staff. For those who normally commute to an office, working from home has become the new normal. And for many, the balance has shifted permanently.
If you’ve always wanted to relocate away from the city, perhaps moving to a remote corner of the country, now is a great time to make this a reality. For Cornwall lovers, the dream of heading west and staying there has never been more viable. Newquay, for instance, is now one of the UK’s top property hotspots.
But before you get carried away, it’s time to ask some hard-hitting questions to make sure you’re making the right decision.
1. What Sort Of Lifestyle Are You Envisaging?
The clearer you can be about what your new life in Cornwall will look like, the easier your search for the perfect place will be. Make a list of key requirements for yourself and your family.
Are you looking for peace and quiet in the countryside, perhaps with a nice pub within easy each? Or would you rather be part of a community in a bustling seaside location such as Falmouth or St Ives? Do you have children who need easy access to good local schools?
Hobbies and interests are key to a healthy work balance, and Cornwall can offer plenty of choices. Whether you’re a keen gardener, walker or cyclist, or want to indulge in your passion for surfing, sailing or swimming, knowing what sort of lifestyle you wish to lead will inform your decision on where to invest in Cornwall property.
2. How Can You Adapt Your Work Routines?
Commuting from Cornwall is possible, and many people do it, though understandably not every day. The area is quite well connected, with the Paddington – Penzance railway, regular flights from Gatwick to Newquay and the recently updated A30 arterial road. Many long-term Cornwall residents started life here by investing in a house with enough space for a home office while keeping their finger on the pulse by travelling into London once a week or so. You could do the same.
Looking for a job locally may be harder than you think. Salaries in Cornwall tend to be lower than in more economically powerful areas such as the Southeast, and a well-paid skilled job may be hard to come by. However, there’s a great entrepreneurial spirit in the West Country – if you’ve always wanted to start your own business, you could easily do this from your home office in Cornwall.
3. How Important Are Online And Offline Connections?
If you’re going to be working remotely, a reliable and fast internet connection is essential. Most places in Cornwall are surprisingly good, with superfast fibre broadband available in many locations. However, if you encounter a dead zone or a prolonged outage, it could be a serious problem.
Depending on your personality and your job, working from home can either be total bliss, or it can be an isolating experience. If social interaction is important to you, look for places that have a sense of community and plenty of local amenities, both in and out of season. Many seaside towns come to life during the summer, only to shut down completely during the winter months.
The Hive in Bude, The Workbox in Truro and Penzance and The HOHouse in Newquay are just some examples of shared workspaces to help you get out of the house and network with like-minded professionals in the most trendy surroundings.
4. Holiday Home Or Forever Home?
Your choice of home may well be influenced by happy memories of family holidays spent on the beaches of Perranporth, but don’t be tempted to confuse a summer visit with a permanent stay. What may work for a few heady weeks in high season may not be what you need all year round.
That said, once you’ve made the commitment to move west and are settled in your new home, expect a long line of friends and family wanting to spend weekends in Cornwall with you. If your homebuying budget allows for a spare room or two, you may be able to accommodate frequent visitors and share your newfound lifestyle with people you care about.
Source: Guild of Property Professionals