Unfurnished Properties
If your property is unoccupied and unfurnished, you may be eligible to a 100% 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 unfurnished for longer than one month, there are no discounts.
Uninhabitable properties
Properties empty for less than two years in need of major repairs, or undergoing structural alterations, may qualify for a 25% discount (max. 12 months). If after reading the Uninhabitable Application Form and Guidance Notes (PDF, 586 KB), you think you may qualify then please return the application with supporting evidence either by email: counciltax@sholland.gov.uk or by post.
Long-term empty properties
A Long Term Empty Premium applies to properties that are unoccupied and substantially unfurnished for two years or more. This adds an additional charge to your Council Tax bill. Please see the Council Tax Premiums page for more information.
If your property is in a good state of repair, then letting may be a possibility? For information on bringing empty homes back into use, please visit our Empty Homes page.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Why am I paying for an empty property - I am not using any of the services?
A. Council Tax is a way of raising public money. This 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 not.
Q. My property is empty and has a bill, but it is up for sale. Are there any reduction due?
A. You can find our relevant discounts and charges above. There are no extra allowances for a property that are up for sale.