Homes undergoing major repair work or structural alteration
If a property is unoccupied and unfurnished in need of, or undergoing, major repair work or structural alteration which is not cosmetic, there is no discount available with effect 01.04.2025.
Unoccupied and unfurnished
If the property is empty and unfurnished council tax will not be charged for one month.
However if the property has been empty beforehand i.e. for more than one month, then you will not be entitled to this discount. In this situation you will pay 100% in council tax.
With effect from 1st April 2025 if a property has been empty and unfurnished for more than 1 year a 100% premium will be added to the charge, which means you will pay 200% in Council tax.
If the property still remains empty and unfurnished after five years a 200% premium will be added to the charge which means you will pay 300% in Council tax.
If the property still remains empty and unfurnished after 10 years a 300% premium will be added to the charge which means you will pay 400% in Council tax.
Exceptions to premiums
A long term empty property premium will not be applied where a specific exemption applies, or where the dwelling:
- is the sole or main residence of a member of the armed services who is absent as a result of such service.
- forms part of a single property which is being treated by a resident of that property as part of the main dwelling, for example an annex.
- is actively marketed for sale/let
- which fall under exempt F and probate has recently been granted
- is requiring major works
Unoccupied but furnished property
A property that is no-one's main home and is furnished has full council tax chargeable on the property. There is no discount for a furnished second home.
However if a person liable for council tax has to live elsewhere to carry out their job, and this is a requirement within their terms of employment, a 50% discount may be given on the unoccupied property. This discount only applies to properties in England, Scotland and Wales.
Please contact us for more information on the 'work related' discount.
Bringing long term empty properties back into use
If you would like advice on bringing your long term empty property back into use, we may be able to assist you.
Or, if you are looking to sell or let your property, we may be able to pass your details to organisations.
We want to turn these properties into homes using a range of initiatives. If you would like to discuss these in further detail, please contact us on 01530 454650 or e-mail environmental.protection@nwleicestershire.gov.uk
Last updated: Fri 14 March, 2025 @ 10:54