Long term empty properties

If your property has been empty for two or more years, you'll be charged a 'long term empty dwellings premium'.

Since April 2013, councils have had the discretion to charge up to 50 percent premium for properties that have been empty for more than two years. This increased the amount payable to 150 percent of the usual Council Tax. From 1 April 2019, the Rating (Property in Common Occupation) and Council Tax (Empty Dwellings) Act 2018 legislation (opens new window) now allows this premium to be increased.

Following a Full Council meeting on 27 February 2019, the decision was made to use this discretion. The long term empty premium will be charged as follows:

• From 1 April 2013 to 31 March 2019: an additional 50 percent Council Tax premium for properties empty longer than two years, raised the Council Tax to 150 percent
• From 1 April 2019: a 100 percent Council Tax premium will apply on properties empty longer than two years, raising the Council Tax to 200 percent 
• From 1 April 2020: for properties empty longer than five years, an additional 100 percent Council Tax premium will raise the Council Tax to 300 percent
• From 1 April 2021: properties empty longer than 10 years will be subject to a further 100 percent Council Tax premium, raising the Council Tax to 400 percent

The direct financial benefits from Council Tax income from this change are small for us. The main benefits of this change are to the district and communities, as an incentive to encourage empty homes back into use. 

If you would like any information on how we might be able to help you bring your empty property back into use, please contact the private sector housing team on 01775 761161 and ask for the Duty Officer.