Empty properties and council tax

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, then it be entitled to a 50% reduction in council tax for up to 12 months - after which the full charge is payable.

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 2019 if a property has been empty and unfurnished for more than 2 years a 50% premium will be added to the charge, which means you will pay 150% in Council tax.

If the property still remains empty and unfurnished after three years a 100% premium will be added to the charge which means you will pay 200% in Council tax.

Unoccupied but furnished property

A property that is no-one's main home and is furnished can receive a 10% discount on their council tax charge called a second homes discount.

With effect from 1st April 2019 unoccupied and furnished properties will no longer qualify for a 10% discount.

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