Empty property premium

We charge a premium on long-term empty dwellings. These are homes that have been unoccupied and unfurnished for at least one year. The one-year period starts from the date the property first became empty. It does not restart if there is a change of owner.

The charge was agreed by Council Members and is to support bringing empty properties back into use. There is no right of appeal against our decision to levy the premium.

Where a property has been empty and unfurnished for one year it is charged a 100% Council Tax premium, which is raised to 200% after five years.

Exemptions

Two classes of dwellings are exempt from the empty homes premium charge. 

These are for a dwelling which:

• would otherwise be the sole or main residence of a member of the armed services, who is absent from the property as a result of such service
• forms part of a single property that is being treated by a resident of that property as part of the main dwelling

Notify us

If your property is empty you must notify us to enable so we can issue the correct Council Tax bill. In addition, you must advise us within 21 days of any changes in circumstances that may affect your charge e.g. the property is occupied or sold.

This information is a general guide only and is not a substitute for the relevant statutes and law.

To notify us of an empty property please email: [email protected]

Last updated 27 September 2024