Interest Rate Cut Expected to Boost Home Moves in Cornwall

Cornwall is expected to be among the fastest-moving areas in the UK for home relocations following the Bank of England’s decision to cut the base rate from 4.25% to 4%.

New analysis from AnyVan, a nationwide removals company completing nearly 300,000 moves a year, suggests that the county could see a surge in demand over the next six months as buyers respond quickly to cheaper borrowing costs.

Historical data points to sharp rise

AnyVan looked at trends following the August 2024 base rate reduction to predict the impact of today’s decision. In the six months after that cut, Cornwall recorded one of the largest year-on-year increases in home moves across the UK at over 45%.

This was well ahead of the wider South West, which grew by 26% over the same period. The growth also coincided with more buyers opting for larger family homes, with demand for four-bedroom properties and above rising noticeably.

According to Bank of England figures, mortgage approvals for house purchases had already climbed to 64,200 in June 2025 as confidence grew that another rate drop was on the way. AnyVan’s research shows that when borrowing costs fall, move volumes can rise by as much as 50% in some regions.

Cornwall’s strong appeal to families

Areas with high demand tend to respond most when interest rates fall. Cornwall’s coastal lifestyle and attraction for families make it a prime location, but higher rates have been a barrier for some buyers. AnyVan’s data suggests that a rate cut can quickly turn interest into action for those already eyeing the area.

Across the UK, East Riding and North Lincolnshire, along with North Nottinghamshire, saw the biggest increases in moves after the August 2024 rate change — all just above 50%. Cornwall is ranked 10th in the list of areas expected to see the greatest stimulation in house moves based on historical patterns.

Areas slowest to respond

Not all parts of the UK react as strongly. London recorded just a 13% increase in demand historically following a rate cut, although some boroughs such as Bromley and Harrow bucked the trend.

The South East also showed less movement, with areas like Southampton, Swindon, North Hampshire and West Sussex among those historically least responsive to falling borrowing costs.

Bedroom reshuffles and affordability improvements

Nationwide reports that UK housing affordability is now at its best in more than a decade, with the house price-to-income ratio at 5.75 and average five-year fixed mortgage rates around 4.3%.

This is driving renewed momentum among first-time buyers in areas such as Angus & Dundee, Peterborough and Plymouth, where demand for smaller properties (one to two bedrooms) is on the rise.

For Cornwall, the trend is clear — the combination of lower rates and better affordability could see more families upgrading to “forever homes” with four or more bedrooms.

Angus Elphinstone, owner of AnyVan, said:

“When borrowing gets cheaper, people get moving – and the data proves it. Every time the base rate drops, we see a tangible uptick in moving activity, particularly in areas where demand is strong and affordability gives people the confidence to act. Our data shows that this isn’t just about first-time buyers taking their first step, it’s also families upsizing, renters becoming homeowners, and people relocating for a better quality of life.

Lower interest rates act like a green light for movers who’ve been holding back, and what’s clear is that when the conditions are right, the market responds – and fast.”