Falmouth Property Market and Real Estate Guide

(Falmouth, Cornwall, England, UK)

The attractive Cornish town of Falmouth is famous for its beaches and its extremely deep harbour. Founded 400 years ago, Falmouth's prosperity for most of its existence depended on its maritime activities. Even now, its cargo port and docking facilities for cruise ships are important to its mainly tourist-based economy.

Nestling on Cornwall's beautiful south coast at the mouth of the River Fal, the town has a mild climate and welcomes visitors year round, with many of its Georgian townhouses converted to small hotels. Falmouth's best-known attractions, apart from its beaches, are its boating and water sports facilities.


Access to and from the city is mainly by train, with services to all over the south of England and to Scotland, the North and the Midlands. The M5 motorway can be picked up at Exeter, and nearby Truro's regional airport provides links with major UK air hubs.

As with the rest of Cornwall, Falmouth is popular with second-home buyers and retirees, driving prices beyond the reach of many of its younger residents to a level similar to that in larger UK towns and cities. Lower to middle-range six figure sums are normal, with upscale and country property asking prices easily reaching seven figures.

Renting Serviced Apartments and Holiday Cottages

As with most Cornish towns, there are only a few serviced apartments in town, most of which are aimed at the shorter-term holiday let market. However, arrangements may possibly be made during the low season. Holiday cottages and similar lets are, however, in plentiful supply.

Buying Apartments and Houses

Recent new-build apartments in Falmouth are now coming onto the market, compensating slightly for the shortage of immediately available mature property. Properties near the harbour or with sea views understandably command a premium, and even small terraced period cottages are expensive if they have a view. Bungalows are perhaps the best bargains at present.

Non-citizen purchase of UK property is fully legal, but staying here to enjoy it on a permanent basis is more difficult unless you are an EU citizen. However, the purchasing process is easy, although a solicitor should be engaged. An offer is made to the seller - if accepted, a ten percent deposit is placed in the solicitor's 'escrow' account. When the legalities, including searches, are completed, a final contract is drawn up and signed by both parties. The full purchase price is then paid and land transfers are finalised. Expect charges of at least five percent, with stamp duty of between one and five percent, dependent on the property's value.

Real Estate Agents

Most real estate agents listing homes in Falmouth will also cover other areas in Cornwall, with a good number using web listings for potential buyers to browse before making up their minds which agency to use.

Check out the following real estate agents:

Laskowski and Co.
Address: 28 High Street, Falmouth, Cornwall, TR11 2AD, England
Tel: +44 (0)1326 318 813
Email: info@laskowskiandcompany.co.uk
Website: www.laskowskiandcompany.co.uk
This agency is well-established in the area and has a good selection of properties

Kimberley's
Address: 29 / 29A Killigrew Street, Falmouth, Cornwall, TR11 3PN, England
Tel: +44 (0)1326 311 400
Email: via website
Website: www.kimberleys.co.uk
Kimberley's is an independent agency dealing with all levels and prices of Falmouth properties

Miller Countrywide
Address: 33 Church Street, Falmouth, Cornwall, TR11 3DX, England
Tel: +44 (0)1326 318 181
Email: via website
Website: www.millercountrywide.co.uk
Miller is a countrywide network of local agencies. The Falmouth office deals with upscale properties in and around town.