UK residents in the so-called “second home capital” have claimed they’ve been pushed into living in sheds and caravans due to soaring house prices.
In 2021, surveys conducted in the village and nearby seaside town revealed that nearly three-quarters of the properties were second homes. However, locals now believe this percentage has increased.
The Cornish village of St Minver, near Polzeath, where celebrities like David Cameron, Rick Stein and Gordon Ramsey own holiday homes, is said to have turned into a ghost town according to its inhabitants.
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The Fourways Inn, the only pub in the village, can no longer afford to remain open throughout the year due to the number of houses left vacant during the winter months.
(Image: Greg Martin / Cornwall Live)
A recent planning application proposed converting the pub into six holiday lets, sparking objections from villagers.
However, James Mercer, the landlord who has managed the pub since 1983, told The Sun: “What used to be a healthy local trade has just disappeared because of second homes.”
Cornwall ranks highest for the amount of second homes across the UK. The Council of St Minver has unveiled plans to double the council tax on these properties from April next year, however, locals remain sceptical about any possible changes.
Young adults in this region have taken up buying used caravans from Facebook Marketplace as alternative accommodation – often parking them in their parents’ driveways or fields rather than purchasing a home.
(Image: Greg Martin / Cornwall Live)
When questioned about their chances of affording a local property, Mercer said: “Fine if they have a couple of million in their pocket, if not forget it.”
Joe Mercer, 19, a lifelong resident of St Minver, stated: “”I don’t know anybody my age who has been able to buy a house, most of them are still living at home. Living in a caravan would be a lot more affordable, that’s what my friends are doing… but it’s not very homely.”
Meanwhile, near Lizard Point on the south coast, one family of four felt compelled to move into a static caravan due to the overwhelming impact of the second home crisis. This leaves Sarah Brim, a mother of two aged 31, confessing “It’s becom[ing] easier to find a property that allows pets than it is [for] children.”
(Image: Greg Martin / Cornwall Live)
St Minver, near Polzeath, is a sounding board for the crisis gripping many similar UK settlements – too many second homes resulting in a ghost town. Celebs flock here for their holiday homes, including Rick Stein, Gordon Ramsey and David Cameron.
A spokesperson for Cornwall Council stated: “Cornwall continues to experience extreme and unprecedented pressures on housing and we have the [utmost] sympathy for our residents unable to find a home.”
They affirmed the Council’s dedication stating it remains “committed” providing suitable accommodation for its inhabitants, with efforts directed towards building more council houses.
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