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Discounts and exemptions

Changes to empty property discount

A discount of 50% currently applies for a maximum of six months to empty and unfurnished properties. This applies from the end of six months' exemption period.

From 1 April 2013, new legislation allowed us to charge a levy of up to 100% on long-term empty properties. An increase in the council tax charge can only be applied to an unoccupied property, which has been unoccupied for a continuous period of more than twelve months and is not actively being marketed for sale or let.

If, however, an unoccupied property is being actively marketed for sale or let, an increase in council tax liability of 100% can only be applied when the property has been unoccupied for two years or more.

We have approved a discretionary exemption from the council tax levy for 'unoccupied dwellings' purchased by new owners for a maximum period of up to six months, from the date of purchase. 

The discretionary exemption applies to any properties where the date of transfer/ownership of the property is on or after 14 September 2016. A 10% discount is applicable for such properties for a maximum period of up to six months from the date of transfer/ownership of the property.

Remember - if you are granted a discount and the circumstances that led to that discount change, you must tell us.

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Page last updated:
19 Oct 2020

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