A landlord has called other landlords “greedy” after increasing rent prices are leaving locals struggling to find somewhere to live.
Polperro in Cornwall is a beautiful fishing village offering spectacular views across the Cornish coast.
The area has become so idyllic that numerous properties are being brought by second home owners looking to make extra cash through the high rent prices in the area.
A landlord who is looking for tenants to take over his popular shop on Fore Street has said the highest rent is “not the main priority”.
Instead, a spokesman for the landlord said he is hoping to find the right person to take on the shop.
Advertised by Pinto Property, the landlord wants potential tenants to suggest the amount they would like to pay and pitch their business idea.
The landlord is then going to make a decision based on all factors in an attempt to tackle “greed” from other landlords.
Polperro is lined with shops and eateries with miles of farmland and countryside for those who love walking.
The agency said: “The landlord is looking for someone to take on the shop to benefit the village and make sure the business survives long term.
“We are not saying the landlord is going to rent the property for a very low rent due to obvious things like tax and other costs that he will incur, however, achieving the highest rent is not his main priority.”
They said the owner, who has asked to remain anonymous, has become increasingly frustrated about car parking in the village and what he believes is “greed” from other retail landlords, reports CornwallLive.
He says some are raising rental rates while failing to maintain the buildings and pushing good people out as a result.
A spokesperson for the Barnsley-based estate agency said: “He’s aware of the constant frustration about the car parking in Polperro and the greed some retail landlords have shown by raising rents and not maintaining their properties to an acceptable standard.
“Due to this, the village is now starting to lose some fantastic longstanding businesses and people. Villages like Polperro only survive on the backbone of amazing people, and it’s a huge shame some people have had to move on from their businesses.
“So by offering an opportunity to local people to expand and start a business he’s giving something back to the area he loves and hopefully will start to bring back new life to the village. As he’s not a local gentleman, he’s always been grateful for the warm welcome he’s been given by all locals in Polperro.”
The listing reads: “Available for the first time in 19 years, after being the well-renowned clock shop, the landlord has instructed us to advertise the retail unit by inviting potential tenants to pitch their ideas for the shop and the amount of rent they wish to pay.”
It added that the property “benefits from arguably the largest amount of footfall in the village” as people walk towards the harbour and back past again on the return to the car park.”
