The issue of second homes in Cornwall is one that raises questions about housing policy - how many we build and for what purpose. Second homes have been a constant feature of that discussion. So how many are there in Cornwall?
Counting the number of second homes is problematical. In 2012 the 10% discount for second homes was abolished in Cornwall, reducing the incentive to record them. In practice a house could simply be registered to pay council tax as if the owners lived there permanently. An owner could also rent out the property for part of the year and pay business rates. This means that the numbers recorded on the council tax base are probably an under-estimate.
The numbers? In 2011 there were 14,078 registered and in 2021, 13260. The share of second homes as a percentage of all properties on the council tax base fell from 5.5% to 4.8%.
The latest census for 2021 may provide some more information. Data is due to be released later in the year.
Portreath below, a coastal village - idea for a second or holiday home!
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