Unfurnished properties
If your property is unoccupied and substantially unfurnished, you may be entitled to a 100 percent Council Tax discount for up to one month.
This discount starts from the date the property became unoccupied and substantially unfurnished. The discount does not start again if the property changes hands. For properties unoccupied and substantially unfurnished for longer than one month, there is no discount.
Long-term empty properties
Properties unoccupied and substantially unfurnished for two years or more, will be charged a long-term empty dwellings premium; meaning an additional charge will be added to the Council Tax bill. See our long-term empty properties web page for more information.
If your property is in a good state of repair, then letting the home may be an option to you. For information on being a landlord, please visit GOV.UK housing and local services (opens new window) .
Uninhabitable properties
Properties needing major repairs or undergoing structural alterations, may qualify for a 25 percent discount for a maximum of 12 months.
If after reading the Class D uninhabitable guidance notes (PDF) [172KB] (opens new window) , you think you will qualify, return the Council Tax: Class D uninhabitable application form (PDF) [500KB] (opens new window) along with the supporting evidence.
Council Tax and unfurnished properties FAQs
- Why am I paying for an empty property, as I'm not using any of its services?
Council Tax is a way of raising public money which helps pay for local services and contributes towards police and fire services. Council Tax is not a charge for specific services; it applies to all domestic properties, whether occupied or unoccupied. - I am being billed for my empty property, but it is up for sale. Is there any Council Tax reduction due?
The relevant discounts and charges are detailed above. There is no extra allowance for a property that is up for sale.