Charges for empty homes and second homes

This premium applies to the property, a change of ownership or tenancy will not affect the premium. If when you purchased or leased your property it had already been empty and unfurnished for two years or more, you will have to pay the additional premium. The premium can only be removed by bringing your property back into use. 

To find out more about bringing your property back into use contact the empty property team.

Changes to the empty property premium from 1 April 2024

From 1 April 2024 the 100% premium charged after a property has been empty and unfurnished for 2 years will be applied after 1 year. 

Changes to the empty property premium from 1 April 2021

From 1 April 2021 an increase of 300% will be applied for properties that have been empty for at least 10 years and these properties will therefore pay 400% Council Tax.

Changes to the empty property premium from 1 April 2020

From 1 April 2020 an increase of 200% will be applied for properties that have been empty for at least 5 years and these properties will therefore pay 300% Council Tax.

Changes to the empty property premium from 1 April 2019

From 1 April 2019, the premium for properties that have been empty and unfurnished for more than 2 years increased from 50% to 100%. These properties now pay 200% Council Tax. 

Help to return empty properties to use

If you are interested in returning your property to use, please contact our Empty Property Officers who provide practical and financial help to owners of qualifying properties. 

The officers can offer a range of assistance, both practical and financial, that can benefit the owners of qualifying properties.

Find out more about the Empty Property service