If you’re thinking about investing in a coastal holiday let, chances are you’ve narrowed your shortlist to two standout contenders – Cornwall and Devon.
Both offer spectacular scenery, thriving tourism, and a strong staycation market. But when it comes to generating reliable, long-term income, which coast really delivers better yields in 2025?
At mySTAYINN, we’ve supported hosts across the South West for years – so we’ve seen the trends, the peaks, and the pitfalls.
This guide dives into current occupancy rates, nightly prices, and seasonal variation across Cornwall and Devon, all to help you make a smarter investment decision.
We’ll also share how our Cornwall-based team boosts off-season bookings and helps owners like you unlock the full potential of your property.
Occupancy and Seasonality
When looking at peak-season performance, Cornwall has a slight advantage. During summer 2024, average occupancy rates in Cornwall reached around 83%, just ahead of South Devon’s 78%.
Year-round, Cornwall maintains a stronger showing, with an average occupancy rate of 61%, compared with 58% in Devon. That 3% gap might sound small, but over the course of a year, it can add up to a significant difference in booking volume.
Typical Nightly Rates
On the nightly rate front, Devon comes out just ahead – averaging £122 per night, compared to Cornwall’s £119. But thanks to Cornwall’s stronger occupancy, overall income levels are often neck and neck – and in many cases, Cornwall actually comes out on top.
Consistent bookings tend to beat occasional high-value ones when it comes to sustainable cash flow.
Booking Patterns and Guest Trends
Devon has seen a notable increase in last-minute bookings, with around 30% made within four weeks of the stay – a figure that’s continued to grow.
Cornwall shows similar behaviour, with a rise in short-lead bookings, particularly for weekend getaways and spontaneous breaks during school holidays.
These patterns reinforce the need for flexibility. Short stays, pet-friendly listings and responsive pricing strategies are all key to converting those last-minute browsers into paying guests.
At mySTAYINN, we monitor demand in real time and adjust listings accordingly to help our clients capture these valuable bookings.
Crunching the Numbers
Let’s look at how the numbers stack up when you combine rate and occupancy. A two-bedroom property in Cornwall earning £119 per night at 61% occupancy would bring in around £72.60 per available night.
In Devon, the same size property earning £122 per night at 58% occupancy would earn slightly less – around £70.76 per night.
Over the course of a year, that small daily difference becomes meaningful. In this example, the Cornwall property would generate about £1,300 more annually than its Devon counterpart – all thanks to those extra booked nights. In short, higher occupancy is more impactful than a slightly higher nightly rate.
Maximising Revenue with Smart Features
Of course, revenue isn’t only about location – it’s also about how well you market and position the property. Across both counties, we’ve seen real results from a few key strategies:
- Short breaks now account for over 30% of bookings in the South West, driven by flexible work schedules and weekend escapes.
- Pet-friendly listings can see up to 60% more revenue in Devon, with similar uplifts in Cornwall. Welcoming dogs is no longer a niche – it’s a competitive advantage.
- Luxury touches like hot tubs or spa-style bathrooms can boost revenue by 30% or more, especially in South Devon where travellers are willing to pay a premium for standout features.
At mySTAYINN, we help owners identify which enhancements offer the best return – and then market those features clearly and professionally on all major platforms.
Cornwall’s Off-Season Advantage
Seasonality affects both counties, but our experience in Cornwall has shown just how much can be done to reduce the winter dip.
We actively market to niche audiences – walkers, foodies, digital nomads – and tailor listings with seasonal packages and local experiences.
Our Cornwall-based team also uses dynamic pricing to keep rates attractive while still maximising revenue. We don’t just set a static calendar and hope for the best – we respond to market changes, competitor activity, and local events that drive off-peak demand.
What mySTAYINN Does Differently
We don’t just list properties – we partner with hosts to deliver long-term success. That includes:
- In-depth market insight and performance forecasting
- Professional listing optimisation and dynamic pricing
- Hands-on guest communication, check-in support and issue resolution
- Property maintenance, housekeeping and compliance monitoring
Most importantly, we tailor our service to suit your goals. Whether you’re based locally or investing remotely, we give you peace of mind that your property is delivering its full potential – without the day-to-day stress.
Which County Comes Out on Top?
There’s no bad choice between Cornwall and Devon. But if your top priority is maximising annual revenue, Cornwall currently holds a slight edge. It offers higher occupancy, strong guest demand, and growing opportunities to extend the season with smart marketing.
That said, Devon still offers excellent returns, especially in luxury markets and towns like Salcombe, Dartmouth or Croyde. Your decision may ultimately come down to the style of property you prefer, the guest demographic you want to attract, and how involved you want to be.
Wherever you choose to invest, having an experienced partner makes a difference – and that’s where mySTAYINN comes in.
Ready to Compare Properties?
If you’re deciding between a Cornish cottage and a Devon farmhouse, we can help. Get in touch with our team today and we’ll provide a no-obligation forecast based on your property type, location and goals. From occupancy modelling to off-season strategy, we’ll show you what’s possible – and how to make it happen.
