One in 14 properties in Cornwall is currently sitting empty, according to figures released by housing charity Action on Empty Homes.

The organisation estimates there are more than 20,000 vacant properties in the county, including around 13,000 second homes (a figure that excludes commercial holiday lets that pay business rates). The charity believes these are probably used as holiday homes or let on a short-term, Airbnb-style basis.

There are also 4,698 empty homes that are liable for council tax, including more than 2,794 officially classed as long-term empty (vacant for more than six months). In addition, 2,525 homes are empty but exempt from council tax – including 1,698 where the owner is deceased.

Meanwhile many local people are struggling to find secure, affordable housing, said Rebecca Moore, director of Action on Empty Homes.

“We are hearing reports of landlords evicting long-term tenants in search of higher profits, which has a devastating impact on young people and families in the community. The situation is no better for local homebuyers, who find themselves priced out as they try to compete with cash-rich, out-of-town investors.”

Ms Moore told Cornwall Live: “The latest Government policy allowing councils to increase council tax on second homes has been sold as an attempt to redress this balance – but it is too little too late, as a huge amount of homes are already used as short lets or so-called second homes.”

Cllr Olly Monk, Cornwall Council’s portfolio holder for planning and housing, said earlier this year: “There are many reasons properties are left empty by the owners, including probate disputes, long-term hospitalisation, owners going into care, etc. We have a team who chase down people who own empty properties and try to work with the owners to get the property back into residential use.”

Cornwall Council recently agreed a housing business plan that will target £83m towards repairs and maintenance of its 10,300 homes. The authority plans to spend a further £204m on building or acquiring new properties.