Empty and unfurnished

All local councils have the power to vary the discounts that are applied to empty homes.

If you own an empty home you will have to pay Council Tax.

You can be charged an extra amount of Council Tax (a ‘premium) if your home has been empty for 12 months or more. This is unless it’s an annexe or you’re in the armed forces.

As this premium applies to the property, a change of ownership or tenancy will not affect the premium. Therefore, if you purchase or lease a property which has already been empty and unfurnished for 12 months or more, you will have to pay the premium.

From 1 April 2024 – 100% for those properties which are empty for 12 months and over
From 1 April 2020 - 200% for those properties which are empty for 5 years and over
From 1 April 2021 - 300% for those properties which are empty for 10 years and over

The premium will only be removed by bringing the property back into use.

Need help?

Most issues can be resolved online, it's the quickest and most convenient way to get help.

Use our contact us form

Council Tax
Most queries about Council Tax can be dealt with online. If you cannot see what you are looking for on our web pages please use our online form to contact us. Using the form ensures we have all the details we need to answer your query.

Phone lines open at 10am on Wednesdays, 9am on Monday,Tuesday,Thursday, and Friday and close at 6pm.
0300 1234 171