Empty homes

When a home becomes unoccupied and unfurnished, it will be exempt for seven days. This means you will not need to pay council tax for this period. After seven days the liable person will be charged the full amount of council tax. This is unless there are other reductions in place.

After two years of the home being empty an additional premium is charged. From 1 April 2025 the additional premium will be charged after a year of being empty.

If you buy or rent a property which is already unfurnished it is likely the exemption has already been awarded and expired. The exemption cannot be awarded again just because the liable person has changed.

Visit our council tax reductions page for more details of the reductions available. You must complete our online form to report your move to get the exemption.