Empty homes
Empty homes premium
When a home has been empty and unfurnished for two years, an extra premium is paid on top of the council tax. The amount of the premium increases, the longer the property is empty and unfurnished. The amount of the premium will depend on when the property first became empty and unoccupied.
The empty homes premium does not apply to:
- second homes
- annexes used as part of the main house
- properties where the resident is asked to live elsewhere by the Ministry of Defence
In these circumstances, a full charge is due. If you buy a property which has been empty for two years, this premium will apply straightaway. It will apply until you occupy the property. It will continue to apply if you are refurbishing the property before you or a tenant move in. Properties subject to the empty homes premium do not get the seven-day empty homes discount.
The table below sets out the premium that we will add to your council tax bill:
Financial year | Period empty | Increase in charge by |
|---|---|---|
2018-19 (and earlier) | More than 2 years | 50% |
2019-20 | More than 2 years | 100% |
2020-21
| Less than 5 years | 100% |
5 years or more | 200% | |
2021-22 and beyond
| Less than 5 years | 100% |
5 years to 10 years | 200% | |
10 years or more | 300% |