Can Cornwall Thrive Again?

At CornwallThrive.com, we’re committed to reviving Cornwall’s spirit—its stunning landscapes, rich arts, and tight-knit communities—dimmed for 20 years from our France-based view. It’s time to act.

A Cry for Unity in a Fractured Land

Housing woes plague the developed world, and governments have stumbled. In Cornwall, over 28,000 families face waitlists as rents surge 25% and evictions climb 85% since COVID. It echoes the US Depression’s hardship, yet communities built hope then; WWII’s evacuees, like those in Nickey’s Children, thrived through togetherness.

A better life for your neighbor lifts us all. Let’s ditch blame and build a future—hand in hand.

The Crisis at a Glance

• 28,000+ households seek social housing.
• 23,000 holiday lets and 12,500 second homes overwhelm the market.
• Average home price: £298,000—beyond most salaries.
• Rents up 25% since 2019 to £1,040/month.
• Evictions rose 85% post-COVID.
• Tourism, tied to lets, yields £145 million and 4 jobs/1,000 guests in Devon.
• Too few lets hurt jobs; too many erase locals.

How We Reached This Point

• The staycation boom post-COVID reshaped Cornwall.
• Newquay lost long-term rentals from 450 (2015) to 3 (2024), with Airbnbs over 450.
• Our village cottage, tourist-friendly but family-unfit, stirs local frustration.

A Market Stuck by Rules

• The 100% council tax hike since April 2025 targeted £23 million but froze sales.
• Listings rose, but sales slow by 4 days, prices down 1%.
• Loopholes drain £25 million yearly.
• Agents reject listings, stranding owners.
• £340,000 homes elude locals; tourism wavers.

The Danger of a Fading Cornwall

• Landlord exits won’t help if homes don’t suit families.
• Less tourism threatens winter work.
• Outcome: a Cornwall too pricey, quiet, and fragile.

A Thrive Plan for All

• Tax breaks for part-time rentals.
• Tourists boosting local business reinvestment.
• Council turning parks into homes.
• Registration to manage short-term lets.
• UBI to keep talent local.
• Unity is the key.

Support Cornwall’s Rise

Visit cornwallthrive.com to back Cornish businesses and join the movement.

Follow @thethriveclan on X.

Share your ideas—how can we make Cornwall thrive? Let’s build a brighter future together!