Exemptions, Discounts and Premiums for empty and occupied properties

Apply for an empty property discount 

Discount (Class C) for a property that is unoccupied and unfurnished

Empty unfurnished properties and empty caravans are entitled to a 100% discount for up to one month. This also applies to newly built properties for up to one month after they are completed as long as no-one lives there and they remain unfurnished.

Discount Application for Empty and Unfurnished Property

Long Term Empty Premium

If a property has remained empty and unfurnished for a period in excess of 2 years the following premium charges will become applicable:

• From 1^st April 2019 - Properties empty for 2 year or more       - 100% premium

• From 1^st April 2020 - Properties empty for 2 years  to 5 years - 100% premium

                                      Properties empty for 5 years or more      -  200% premium

• From 1^st April 2021 - Properties empty for 2 years to 5 years -  100% premium

                                       Properties empty for 5 years to 10 years -  200% premium

                                       Properties empty for 10 years or more    -  300% premium

Please note that if your circumstances change you must tell us within 21 days.  Failure to do so may result in you being issued with a £70 Penalty.

Exemptions from Council Tax - no charge to pay

Exemptions from Council Tax apply in the following circumstances:-

Unoccupied and owned by a charity [44.13KB]

Empty due to person being in prison [83.44KB]

Empty due to person having gone to live in a care home [43.96KB]

Empty due to person having gone to live in a hospital [84.75KB]

Council tax payer has died leaving the property empty [83.76KB]

Occupation is prohibited by law [44.74KB]

Empty property held for a minister of religion [38.58KB]

Person living elsewhere to receive personal care [88.85KB]

Person living elsewhere to provide personal care [37.72KB]

Property left empty by a student [42.03KB]

Mortgage lender in possession of property [84.19KB]

Students halls of residence [44.38KB]

Property occupied only by students [40.27KB]

Forces accommodation [38.31KB]

Visiting forces accommodation [38.78KB]

Property left empty by a bankrupt person [83.86KB]

Unoccupied caravan pitch or boat mooring [38.58KB]

Property occupied only by persons under 18 years of age [36.97KB]

Property occupied only by severely mentally impaired person(s) [182.13KB]

Main residence of a person with diplomatic privilege or immunity [39.23KB]

Occupied granny annexe to an occupied property [42.79KB]