Council Tax premiums on empty properties

Part of: Council Tax on empty properties

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If your property is empty, you may have to pay extra Council Tax. The amount and when it starts depends on how long the property has been empty and the circumstances.

  • If the property is empty and unfurnished, this is classed an ‘empty home’.
  • If the property is empty and furnished, this is classed as a ‘second home’.

Empty Property Premiums and Second Home Premiums are shown in the table below. The percentage numbers are added on top of the existing Council Tax. For example: a premium of 100% means the Council Tax bill is doubled.

These amounts were updated on 1 April 2025.

Property is empty for: Empty Home Second Home
One year or less 100% charge 200% charge
Between one and five years 200% charge 200% charge
Between five and ten years 300% charge 200% charge
More than ten years 400% charge 200% charge