During the last decade the West Country saw some of the highest price rises in the whole of the United Kingdom.
Alongside the national trend of house price rises, there have been several local factors that have fuelled this dramatic rise.
Disposable incomes outside the region have enabled people to buy second homes.
Retirement and people looking to change their lifestyle has increased the pressure on the local housing stock with the knock-on effect of price rises.
This has had far reaching effects for some of the locals who live here.
According to the Halifax banking group, Redruth, Helston and Penzance are in the top 10 list of places that saw the largest rise between 1999 and 2009.
These price rises have had some serious knock on effects on social problems in these regions.
In some areas the house prices have reached up to sixteen times the average income.
Potential first home owners are now faced with the prospect of never being able to afford to buy a house.
The list for social housing is similarly high and local authorities are struggling to keep up with the demand.
Many houses are now home to three or four generations of families.
Good Place to Buy in 2010 Overall 2010 looks like a year where prices will consolidate.
It is unlikely we will see the same dramatic rises that have occurred in previous years.
With interest rates still low it is a good time to buy, but will be moderated by the tight restrictions of lending from the banks.
Gone is the era of 100% mortgages.
If you are in a position to buy we have a few noted areas that should provide you with a good investment as well as a home.
The North Coast of Cornwall has always been a popular area with holiday makers but this does make the housing stock limited and prices rises stay elevated.
This is especially so in the tourist resorts of Rock, Polzeath and surrounding areas.
The good effect of this is price rises are likely to hold even if surrounding areas fall.
Local regions that could possibly outshine other areas in Cornwall include Falmouth and Penryn.
The ongoing discussions about feasibility of the Isle of Scilly ferry link moving from Penzance to Falmouth could impact on both areas.
There is much to be done before any changes will happen to this but the impact on the local areas will definitely be felt.
Penryn has shown strong growth in the last ten years and looks to continue in line with the growth of the University.
Hayle is another area earmarked for potential economic growth and consistent house prices in 2010.
The world's largest commercial wave farm sited just 10 miles of the coast has recently begun construction and has been a huge boon for the region.
In recent years the area has undergone a substantial facelift with new shops and local investment.
Cornwall continues to undergo and mixture of good and bad effects as a result of house prices and economic investment.
2010 should settle down to be a consistent year where no dramatic prices rises or drops are felt.
This will help create a sustainable and consistent market place.