In most cases, you will have to Pay Council Tax on an empty property. There are some exceptions under specific reasons which will cover. Please note that each council will have their own rules and it worth speaking with them to understand whether any exceptions apply.
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 Grant of Probate has been issued. Some councils give you an additional six months after Probate is granted if property isn’t sold, let or someone else is moving in.
What are the exceptions for not paying Council Tax?
In these circumstances council tax exemptions apply – but you must contact the council as rules vary:
- Property left empty by patients in hospitals or moved into a care home
- Owner has moved into a prison
- Property left empty because a carer providing care
- Repossessed properties.
You’ll have to speak to your local council to apply for an exemption.
Do you have to pay council tax when renovating a property?
Rules vary within each borough – a few councils will give you 50% discount for a period others will charge you full council tax.
Even if a property is empty and unfurnished, it will still attract council tax.
What is long term empty property premium?
Property sitting empty for more than 2 years will attract empty property premium. 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.
Can Property Saviour Help?
If you are worried about your property, we can help. We are seeking to buy all types of properties across UK. We’ll pay cash and complete the purchase within two weeks. We will pay up to £1,500 towards your legal fees too.
Ramnik Singh
Ramnik got the property bug in 2006 when he decided to quit his lucrative corporate career as a Telecoms Project Manager.
Practicing what he preaches, Ramnik & his wife have built up a national property portfolio consisting of residential buy to lets.
He's bought, refurbished, let and sold several properties on a national basis.
Passionate about helping sellers, and thinking outside of the box, he is a genuine problem solver always looking to create a win-win scenario.
Outside of property, Ramnik enjoys keeping fit by going to the gym, he enjoys playing competitive snooker and takes pleasure in travelling and going on holidays.
