If your property is empty for long periods of time, you will have to pay an additional amount of council tax.
This charge is known as the council tax empty homes premium charge.
Charges
The empty homes premium charge is 100% for properties that have been empty for 2 years or more.
The empty homes premium charge is 200% for properties that have been empty for 5 years or more.
The empty homes premium charge is 300% for properties that have been empty for 10 years or more.
Why we charge extra for empty homes
We want to encourage property owners to bring empty homes back into use, to increase housing supply and reduce homelessness.
If you buy or lease an empty property
As this premium applies to the property, a change of ownership or tenancy will not affect the premium.
If, when you bought or leased the property, it had already been empty and unfurnished for 2 years or more, you will have to pay 200% of the council tax.
If the property has been empty for 5 years or more, you will have to pay 300% of the council tax.
If the property has been empty for 10 years or more, you will have to pay 400% of the council tax.
If the premium affects you, we will send you a new council tax bill.
When you don't have to pay the premium
- If you are a member of the armed services and you're away from the property as result of your service
- If the property forms part of a single property, such as an annexe
If your bill shows a long-term empty premium and you think that your property is in one of these categories, please contact us straight away.
Ending the premium charge
To end the premium charge, you must bring the property back into use.
If you would like to discuss options for bringing your empty property back into use, please contact our private sector housing team for advice using the contact details on this page.
There are certain circumstances where we may waive the premium charge. Please see our council tax empty homes policy for more information.
Contact us