Army veteran forced out of Cornwall

Lauren Bray, a 27-year-old former nurse, is facing a housing crisis in Cornwall, where rising property prices driven by second home ownership are pushing locals out of the market. In Helston, detached properties have sold for an average of £348,868 over the past year, making homeownership increasingly unattainable for single individuals like Bray. She believes that the influx of homeowners with multiple properties has exacerbated the situation, likening it to a game of Monopoly where local residents are losing out. After serving six years in the Queen Alexandra’s Royal Army Nursing Corps, Bray returned to Cornwall with hopes of settling down. However, despite having savings and a Help to Buy ISA, she finds herself unable to afford a home. "I don’t see it ever changing," she lamented, expressing concern that the situation will only worsen as more people flock to the area. In a bid to maintain her connection to Cornwall, Bray has converted a baby blue Volkswagen Transporter (T4) panel van into her living space. She purchased the van for £3,700 and invested an additional £2,000 to customize it with essential amenities, including a bed frame, insulation, and windows. "It’s got everything in it that I could possibly need," she said, highlighting her love for the van life despite the challenges. Bray's story reflects a growing trend in Cornwall, where locals are increasingly forced to adapt to the realities of a housing market dominated by affluent second home buyers.