If your property is temporarily empty
If your property is empty and unfurnished, you can get a discount of 100% off your council tax for a maximum period of 28 days from the date the property became empty.
Properties that are empty long-term
There is currently a national housing shortage. You will need to pay a premium charge if your property is empty for more than two years. This is to encourage you to bring your empty property back into use.
The Council Tax Premiums are:
- From 1 April 2019 Properties empty > Two years 100% Premium
- From 1 April 2020 Properties empty > Five years 200% Premium (ie two times the normal rate)
- From 1 April 2021 Properties empty >Ten years 300% Premium (ie three times the normal rate)
- Second homes which are substantially furnished are required to pay full Council Tax