Estate Agents Truro, Philip Martin

Sweeping down Morlaix Avenue, with the river to the right, the new visitor to Cornwall’s only city will have their eyes raised by the site of the three spires of Truro cathedral. The building’s construction spans the Victorian and Edwardian eras and is built on the site of the old parish church of St Mary. It is a magnificent introduction to this modest and unpretentious settlement and forms the beating heart of a close-knit community of some 19,000 people. It is a place that as estate agents in Truro we can recommend.

Spreading out from the little courtyard in front of the main entrance to the cathedral, the roads and alleyways engender a sense of intimate proportion. Exploring them is a pleasure and will reveal a loosely threaded collection of independent shops and boutiques that are invariably sadly lacking in some of our larger conurbations. The cobbled main thoroughfare of Boscawen Street squeezes itself to become St Nicholas Street in one direction, whilst throwing an inviting arm in the form of the lovely named Lemon Street toward the market square. As you enter upon this open space the first thing you'll notice on your left is Cornwall’s premier entertainment venue – Hall for Cornwall. Recently upgraded and renovated in 2021 it casts its doors open to a range of performances from Fisherman's Friends (the musical) to Jesus Christ Superstar via many an Agatha Christie production. It is a cultural hub that the city is rightly proud of. For those with quieter interests Royal Cornwall Museum in River Street has a fine collection of artefacts that is complemented by an excellent café.

Although Truro can trace its mottled, official history back to the 12th century, very few pre-18th century buildings remain. This is testimony to its rise as an administrative centre much later, a growth spurt that attracted the professional classes who built residences to reflect their status in Cornish society. As a consequence, the dominant architectural styles are Georgian, Regency and Victorian. Walsingham Place is a fine example as is Lemon Street which rises from the valley floor to the statue commemorating one of Truro’s favourite sons – Richard Landor, African explorer and traveller.

Combining all the elements that make for a vibrant city life, such as good schools, independent shops, some decent pubs and nightlife, it is small enough to make it feel like a homogeneous community with a common goal. It sits within the Goldilocks zone! The main question that arises therefore is when contemplating a move to this part of the west country, is it better to rent or buy?

Renting in Truro

Owning your own property may be one of your lifetime goals; it is so deeply seated within the British psyche, inherently linked with who and what we are both as a nation and individually. It forms the basis for a lot of dinner table talk, next to what we do for a living and why we put up with so much weather! However, and this is a slightly heretical thought, renting may be a better fit for some than taking on a long-term commitment in the form of a mortgage.

Unlike homeowners, renters have no maintenance costs or repair bills, which frees up income to spend on enjoying and exploring the local area. Something that is a very welcome prospect in and around Truro. If you find yourself at either end of the home-seeking demographic then it is certainly worth considering. Who wants to be tied down to one spot at thirty-five or younger when you’re at your most inquisitive, with wanderlust coursing through your veins? On the other hand, you may have had years of a settled existence in one part of the country; the children have flown the nest and now is the time to be brave and explore this wonderful country. Why not give Truro the benefit of your company for six months or a year, safe in the knowledge that you can up sticks relatively easily if you don’t like it. See it as a taster session.

Renting usually requires a security deposit equal to one month’s rent, whereas a homebuyer is required to have a sizable down payment when purchasing a home with a mortgage. If you haven’t a few thousand in the bank then renting should be embraced as an option to facilitate an enviable lifestyle without having to penury yourself whilst living in a property that’s less than perfect.

Take a pay cheque and assess what fits with your lifestyle. You may find that contrary to traditional received opinion, renting is what fits with your current needs.

Buying in Truro

Although not directly comparable to renting, purchasing has many plus points depending upon your requirements and financial situation. The most obvious is that bricks & mortar always accrue value and make for a sound investment that can either be liquidated at the end of a mortgage or passed on to grateful off-spring. As a city with established credentials that are unlikely to change, a wise person would certainly consider laying down roots here.

Once ensconced, your bolt hole is then yours to splash with paint and install home furnishings, turning your immediate surroundings into a unique reflection of who you are. It will become a place where memories safely dwell.

Buying also cajoles you into taking an interest beyond your plot. Truro is awash with small organisations, clubs and societies that cater for the inquisitive and those wishing to establish a long-term relationship with the city itself. The sense of having a vested interest becomes more intense when you own a part of the area in which you live.

On a general note, buying gives you more control and a safety net to fall back upon should things take a fiscal nose dive. You can always re-mortgage whilst not having to encounter the prospect of having to move.

Again, take stock of where you’re at in your life and then determine what fits neatly into this reasoned approach. You might just be ready to buy. And at Philip Martin Estate Agents Truro we may have what you're looking for.

It’s up to you

So, although we can’t tell you which path to follow, as estate agents in Truro – rent or buy – we can give you the benefit of years of experience in the property market and say that Truro is a top place to live in this part of the world. It ticks so many statutory boxes to allow for an enjoyable domiciled or short-term residency.