MPs have called on ministers to turn empty buildings into affordable housing after a report found repurposing properties could create thousands of new homes.

The report, which was published following an inquiry by the All Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for Housing Market and Delivery and the APPG for Ending Homelessness, found 20,000 homes could be created from empty local authority buildings alone.

It also found there was potential for repurposing commercial properties, with 14% of retail unit space and 7% of office space currently vacant.

Chair of the APPG for Housing Market and Delivery, Ben Everitt, said local authorities should be required to report on vacant buildings in their areas.