When a property stands empty, you’re usually still on the hook for council tax. This applies whether the property is furnished or unfurnished. The full council tax charge typically kicks in from day one of the property being empty.Ā However, some councils offer a brief grace period. For example, you might get a month free of council tax when a property first becomes empty and unfurnished. But this isn’t guaranteed – its up to each individual council.
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Do you pay council tax on an empty property?
Yes, you absolutely do pay council tax on an empty property – and crikey, it can really add up! I was chatting with a gentleman from Crawley just last month who was utterly gobsmacked when his annual council tax bill hit Ā£7,400 for a terraced house he’d inherited from his aunt three years ago. “I had no idea they could charge this much,” he told me, voice cracking with stress. “It’s more than three times what the neighbours are paying.”
That’s the nasty surprise many people don’t realise about empty properties. Councils don’t just charge the standard rate – they’re actually allowed to apply hefty premiums the longer your property sits vacant. After just one year empty, they can slap on a 100% premium (effectively doubling your bill). After five years, that jumps to a 200% premium, and beyond ten years, you’re looking at an eye-watering 300% premium. It’s basically the council’s way of trying to nudge empty homes back into use.
Last summer, we helped a lovely retired couple from Slough who were absolutely drowning in council tax payments on a property they’d been trying to sell for nearly six years. The house needed significant work that they couldn’t afford on their pension, and the Ā£5,800 annual council tax bill (with the premium) was eating up their modest savings. The stress was visibly affecting their health – Jane couldn’t sleep, and Mike’s blood pressure was through the roof.
We were able to buy their property in just 17 days, taking that massive financial burden off their shoulders immediately. The relief on their faces when we handed them the cheque was genuinely moving. Mike actually gave me a hug and whispered “I can finally stop worrying about that bloody house.” They used some of the money to treat themselves to their first holiday in eight years.
There are some exemptions – if someone’s gone into care, or recently died (usually exempt until probate is granted and for six months after), or if the property is legally uninhabitable. But these exceptions are quite limited and often temporary.
If you’re struggling with mounting council tax on an empty property, please know you’re not alone. It’s a situation that can spiral out of control quickly, and it’s not your fault. At Property Saviour, we see this all the time, and we’re always happy to have a friendly chat about your options – no pressure, just practical advice from people who’ve helped others in exactly the same boat. Sometimes just talking it through with someone who understands can make all the difference.
Who pays the council tax?
Well, in most cases, it’s the person who lives in the property and sits highest on what’s rather grandly called the ‘hierarchy of liability’ ā a fancy way of saying ‘who’s responsible.’
If you own and live in your property, that’s you at the top of the list, I’m afraid ā you’re the council tax payer. If you’re renting, it’s generally your responsibility as the tenant. Couples who live together ā whether married, in a civil partnership or simply cohabiting ā are ‘jointly and severally liable,’ which means both of you are responsible for the entire bill, not just half each. It’s a bit like being handcuffed together financially; if one person doesn’t pay, the council can come after the other for the full amount.
The complete pecking order goes: resident freeholder (owner-occupier), resident leaseholder, resident tenant, resident licensee (someone with permission to stay but not a formal tenant), any other resident (even squatters!), and finally, the non-resident owner. Whoever’s highest on that list gets the dubious honour of receiving that council tax bill.
There are some interesting exceptions, though. I was helping a lovely chap in Peterborough last month who didn’t realise that as the landlord of several bedsits, he was responsible for the council tax, not his tenants. The rules say that for Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs), the owner pays, not the residents. The same applies to care homes, properties occupied by asylum seekers, and interestingly, places where everyone living there is under 18 (though I’ve not come across many teen-only households in my time!).
I remember one particularly distressed family who called us at Property Saviour after inheriting a large house that had been converted into bedsits. They were shocked to discover they were liable for over Ā£3,000 in council tax arrears because their late uncle hadn’t realised he needed to pay as the landlord. The council was threatening court action, and they were beside themselves with worry. We were able to purchase the property quickly, clearing that debt and giving them peace of mind ā sometimes a fresh start is worth more than bricks and mortar.
If you’re not sure who should be paying, your local council is the best place to check, as they’re the ones who’ll be chasing payment after all. And if you’re stuck with a property that’s becoming a financial burden through council tax liability you hadn’t bargained for, do give us a ring at Property Saviour. We’ve helped countless property owners escape these unexpected financial traps through our quick, guaranteed purchase process.
Remember, council tax liability doesn’t simply disappear when a property sits empty ā in fact, many councils now charge extra premiums on vacant properties. I’ve seen people paying double or even triple the standard rate on homes they can’t sell or don’t use. Rather heart breaking, really, when that money could be put to much better use elsewhere in your life.
What is long term empty property premium?
Property sitting empty for over 2 years will attract an empty property premium.Ā This can be anything from 50% to 100% on top of your normal council tax rate liability.
It is best to consult your council and let them know your plans to sell or rent the property.
If your property stays empty for a long time, you could end up paying even more council tax. Many councils charge an “empty homes premium” on properties left vacant for extended periods. Here’s how it often works:
- Empty for 1-2 years: 100% premium (double council tax)
- Empty for 2-5 years: 200% premium (triple council tax)
- Empty for 5-10 years: 300% premium (quadruple council tax)
- Empty for 10+ years: 400% premium (five times normal council tax)
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These premiums are meant to encourage owners to bring empty homes back into use. The exact rules and timeframes can vary between councils, so its worth checking with your local authority.
Exemptions from Council Tax on Empty Properties
In some situations, you might not have to pay council tax on an empty property. Common exemptions include:
- Properties left empty by someone whos gone into care
- Properties empty due to the owner being in prison
- Properties that cant be lived in by law (e.g. condemned buildings)
- Properties left empty by someone who has died (usually exempt for 6 months after probate).
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If you’re not sure whether your empty property qualifies for an exemption, get in touch with your local council.
Do you pay council tax on an empty property when someone dies?
Properties left empty after someone has died are exempt from the Council Tax until a Grant of Probate has been issued.Ā Some councils give you an additional six months after Probate is granted if a property isnāt sold, let, or someone else is moving in.
Bungalows left to beneficiaries can be difficult to sell if they are in a rural location, need modernisation or the demand for bungalows has diminished.
How to Avoid Second Home Council Tax?
Looking to avoid the second home council tax that’s coming into force from April 2025? You’re certainly not alone. With councils across the UK now able to slap a hefty 100% premium on second homes, many property owners are facing the prospect of their council tax bills doubling overnight – potentially adding thousands of pounds to your annual outgoings.
As someone who’s helped numerous property owners navigate these tricky waters, I can tell you there are several legitimate strategies to consider, though the rules have tightened considerably in recent years. Let me walk you through your options.
The most straightforward approach is converting your property into a holiday let. By registering as a business and letting your property commercially, you can potentially shift from paying council tax to business rates instead – and possibly qualify for small business rates relief.
Be warned though – the government has cottoned on to this loophole and tightened the criteria significantly. In England, your property must now be available for short-term lets for at least 140 days AND actually let for at least 70 days in the previous 12 months. In Wales, it’s even stricter – available for 252 days and actually let for 182 days! Simply declaring an intention to let it out is no longer enough.
Another clever strategy is to list your property for sale. This might sound counter-intuitive if you don’t actually want to sell, but according to the Telegraph, some savvy owners have been using this tactic to secure a 12-month exemption from the premium. You’ll need to actively market the property at a reasonable price (with evidence if requested), but interestingly, you’re not obligated to accept offers or complete a sale.
There are also several exemptions worth exploring:
If the property is undergoing probate, you’ll get breathing room during the process and for up to 12 months after
If your second home is an annexe forming part of your main residence
If the property is provided by your employer and you need to live there for your job
If your property has planning restrictions preventing it from being used as a permanent residence
For Armed Forces second homes (specific rules apply)
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For those considering more dramatic action, extensive renovations might temporarily exempt you from council tax during the works. And if all else fails and the premiums make ownership financially unviable, selling might be your best option – which is exactly what the policy is designed to encourage.
Just last month, I spoke with a client from Worcester who was facing a potential Ā£3,800 annual increase on his holiday cottage. After reviewing his options, he decided to properly commercialise the property as a holiday let, ensuring it met the 70-day letting requirement. While it meant more management on his part, it saved him thousands in council tax premiums.
If you’re finding yourself stuck with an empty or underused property and these growing tax burdens, do consider speaking with us at Property Saviour. We specialise in helping property owners who are facing challenging situations like escalating council tax premiums. Many of our clients come to us feeling trapped by these ever-increasing costs, and we’re often able to offer a straightforward solution by purchasing your property quickly and with minimal fuss.
Remember, these premiums aren’t going away – in fact, Wales has already increased theirs to a possible 300%! Taking action sooner rather than later could save you thousands in unnecessary tax payments. Why keep pouring money into a property that’s becoming a financial burden when there are better options available?
What happens if you don’t pay your council tax?
Well, it’s not a pretty path to go down, I’m afraid. I’ve seen too many decent folks get caught in this spiral, and it can quickly become one of those nightmares that keeps you up at 3am.
If you miss a payment, the council will send you a reminder notice about two weeks later. You’ll have seven days to pay up and get back on track. Miss that deadline, and things start to get serious rather quickly. After a second missed payment, you’ll get another reminder, but by the third strike, they’ll send a final notice that cancels your right to pay in monthly instalments. Suddenly, the entire year’s council tax becomes due in one lump sum ā a nasty shock when you’re already struggling.
Still can’t pay? That’s when the courts get involved. The council will apply for a liability order from the magistrates’ court, slapping on extra costs (typically around Ā£105-Ā£130) to your already mounting debt. I remember helping a lovely elderly gentleman in Swansea last year who was absolutely devastated when his Ā£1,200 council tax debt ballooned to over Ā£1,300 just from these court costs alone.
Once they’ve got that liability order, the council has some pretty serious powers. They can order your employer to deduct money directly from your wages through an attachment of earnings order. Your employer has no choice but to comply ā and can even charge you an extra Ā£1 for each deduction they make. If you’re on benefits like Universal Credit or Jobseeker’s Allowance, they can take money directly from there instead.
If that doesn’t clear the debt, the bailiffs might come knocking. I’ve heard heart breaking stories from families who’ve had enforcement agents turn up at their door, ready to take possessions to the value of the debt. It’s frightening, especially if you’ve got little ones at home witnessing it all.
For homeowners, the council can secure the debt against your property with a charging order, meaning they’ll collect when you eventually sell. In extreme cases, they can even start bankruptcy proceedings against you if the debt is substantial.
Perhaps most alarming of all ā though thankfully quite rare ā is that you could potentially face prison for up to three months if the court decides you’re deliberately refusing to pay rather than genuinely unable to afford it.
I spoke with a distressed family in Dudley last month who were facing council tax arrears on a property they’d inherited but couldn’t afford to maintain. The stress was visibly affecting their health ā the husband had developed high blood pressure, and his wife wasn’t sleeping. We were able to buy their property quickly, clearing their council tax debt and giving them the fresh start they desperately needed.
If council tax debt is mounting on a property you can no longer afford or manage, please don’t suffer in silence. At Property Saviour, we understand these situations aren’t just financial problems ā they’re deeply personal challenges that affect your wellbeing and family life. We’ve helped countless people escape the nightmare of escalating council tax debts by offering a fair, quick purchase of their property. Sometimes, the greatest relief isn’t just clearing the debt, but removing the source of ongoing stress from your life entirely.
Remember, there’s always a way forward, even when things seem hopeless. Why not give us a call for a friendly, no-pressure chat about your options? It might just be the most important conversation you have this year.
Getting Help with Empty Property Council Tax
Dealing with council tax on empty properties can be confusing. If you’re struggling to manage an empty property or the associated costs, were here to help. At Property Saviour, we specialise in buying problematic properties quickly for cash. We can often complete a purchase within 10 days, potentially saving you months of council tax payments. Plus, well cover your legal fees up to Ā£1,500.
Whether you’ve inherited an empty property, are struggling with a non-paying tenant, or just want to offload a property that’s costing you money, get in touch. We buy any type of property in any condition across England and Wales.
Do I have to pay council tax on an empty property I’m trying to sell?
Yes, you’ll usually need to pay council tax while trying to sell an empty property. However, if the property was left empty due to the previous owners death, you might get a 6-month exemption after probate is granted. Some councils also offer discounts for properties on the market, but this isnt guaranteed.
How long can a property be empty before paying council tax?
In most cases, you’ll start paying council tax immediately when a property becomes empty. Some councils offer a brief exemption (often around a month) for unfurnished properties that have just become empty. After that, full council tax is usually due, with potential premiums for long-term empty properties.
Can I claim a single person discount on an empty property?
No, single-person discounts are typically only applicable to occupied properties. However, you may be able to claim a discount or exemption for the empty property, depending on the council’s policies.
Can I avoid paying council tax on an empty property?
Its hard to completely avoid council tax on an empty property unless it falls under specific exemptions (like the owner being in care). Your best options are to:
- Bring the property back into use quickly
- Check if your council offers any discounts
- See if you qualify for any exemptions
- Consider selling the property to avoid ongoing costs
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If you’re struggling with an empty property, why not chat with us at Property Saviour? We might be able to take it off your hands quickly, saving you from ongoing council tax headaches.
Guaranteed Sale: We Never Back Out of a Deal
Selling your property through traditional methods can be a frustrating and time-consuming process. Estate agents often promise the moon but deliver disappointment, with endless viewings, lowball offers, and buyers who pull out at the last minute. You’re left waiting for months, sometimes years, with no guarantee of a sale.
Auctions might seem like a quick fix, but they come with their own set of problems. There’s no certainty about the final sale price, and you might end up selling for far less than you hoped. Not to mention the stress of watching your property go under the hammer, wondering if it will sell at all.
That’s where Property Saviour steps in. We offer a straightforward, hassle-free alternative that puts you in control. No more waiting around or dealing with unreliable buyers. We’ll make you a fair cash offer and stick to it, completing the sale in as little as 10 days if that’s what you need. Why not give us a ring today? Our friendly team is ready to chat about your property and how we can help you move forward quickly and easily. Don’t let your property woes drag on ā reach out now and take the first step towards a stress-free sale.
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- The price we’ll offer is the price that you will receive with no hidden deductions.
- Be careful with ‘cash buyers’ who require a valuation needed for a mortgage or bridging loan.
- These valuations or surveys result in delays and price reductions later on.
- We are cash buyers.Ā There are no surveys.
- We always provide proof of funds with every formal offer issued.
We'll Pay Ā£1,500 Towards Your Legal Fees
- No long exclusivity agreement to sign because we are the buyers.
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- We share our solicitor’s details and issue a Memorandum of Sale.Ā
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- Our approach is transparent and ethical, which is why sellers trust us.
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