Properties that have been empty and substantially unfurnished for more than 2 years are charged a premium of 100% and for more than 5 years a premium of 200%, on top of the full Council Tax charge.

From 1 April 2021, if a property is empty and substantially unfurnished for more than 10 years, the premium is 300%.

The empty homes premium is based upon the property, and not property ownership. Therefore, any transfer of ownership does not affect the date the premium charge becomes due. If a property has already been empty for two years on the date it was purchased, the new owner will be responsible to the pay the premium from their date of purchase.

There are two exceptions to this:

• A dwelling which is the sole or main residence of a member of the armed forces who is absent from the property as a result of such service.
• An annexe deemed unoccupied because it is being treated by the occupier of the main dwelling as part of that main dwelling.

If you have received a letter telling you that your property will have the premium added but it is now occupied, please use our Long Term Empty Home form to advise us of the new occupiers so liability can be amended.