How to end the premium charge
Long-Term Empty Property Premium
If you bought or leased a property that had already been empty and substantially unfurnished for 12 months or more, you may have to pay a Long-Term Empty Property Premium. The premium is based on how long the property has been empty, not how long you have owned or occupied it.
If a premium applies, we will issue a Council Tax bill showing the charge.
When does the premium apply?
You must pay the premium if your property has been unoccupied and substantially unfurnished for 12 months or more, unless it qualifies for one of the exceptions below.
Exceptions to the premium
The Long-Term Empty Property Premium may not apply if:
- The property would be someone's sole or main residence if they were not living in job-related armed forces accommodation.
- The property is an annex that forms part of, or is treated as part of, the main dwelling.
- The property is actively being marketed for sale (for up to 12 months).*
- The property is actively being marketed for let (for up to 12 months).*
- Probate has recently been granted for an unoccupied property that previously qualified for a Class F exemption (for up to 12 months from the date probate or letters of administration were granted).
- The property requires, or is undergoing, major repairs or structural alterations.*
- The property cannot be sold or occupied because of an ongoing legal issue.*
* Evidence must be provided to support your application. The Council may refuse to remove the premium if sufficient evidence is not supplied.
What counts as major repairs?
Major repairs are substantial one-off projects that extend or improve the life of a building, such as:
- Building an extension
- Re-roofing the property
- Repairing damage caused by subsidence or heave
The following are not considered major repairs:
- Replacing windows or doors
- Installing a new kitchen or bathroom
- Redecoration
- General maintenance and repairs
- Gardening or landscaping work
Apply for an exception
If your Council Tax bill includes a Long-Term Empty Property Premium and you believe one of the exceptions applies, please complete our online application form as soon as possible:
Apply for a Long-Term Empty Property Premium exception
You will need your 8-digit Council Tax account number and supporting evidence.
How can I end the premium charge without applying for an exception?
If you do not qualify for the Long-Term Empty Property Premium exception, the property must become someone's sole or main residence for the premium to be removed.
If the property is furnished but is not someone's sole or main residence, a Second Home Premium may apply instead.
Evidence that a property is being used as a sole or main residence may include:
- Furniture in the property
- Gas, electricity and water usage
- A tenancy agreement
- Utility bills showing regular usage
- Home and contents insurance
- Other supporting documents we may request
Tell us when the property is occupied
If your property becomes someone's sole or main residence, complete our online change of address form and provide details of the occupier(s):
Tell us about a change of name or address
We may contact you for additional evidence before the premium is removed.
Property inspections
Please note that inspections of long-term empty properties are carried out throughout the year, and visits may take place without prior notice to ensure our records are accurate.