Apply for empty property Council Tax discounts

There are some Council Tax discounts and exemptions you can get when a property is empty, but we'll double what you have to pay for Council Tax if a property is unoccupied for a year or more. This is called the long-term empty property tariff and applies even if a property is derelict or in very poor condition. Charges for water and waste water are not affected by this tariff.

The tariff is designed to encourage people to deal with empty properties. You can save money by bringing an empty property back into use but you could also bring in rental income or a significant lump sum by selling up.

Long-term empty property tariff relief

Long-term empty property tariff relief brings the Council Tax charge back to the normal 100% charge. It can be applied for up to 3 years, depending on your circumstances and the reason you qualify.

How to qualify

You may qualify for relief from the tariff if it's empty because:

• you are actively working to bring the property back into occupation
• the property is being actively marketed for rental or sale
• the property is in disrepair and has recently changed ownership (6 months maximum relief)
• you get Housing Benefit or Council Tax Reduction
• you inherited the property (6 months maximum relief)
• there has been a delay in planning permission for the property
• there is a legal issue preventing the sale or occupation of the property

You may be exempt from the long-term empty property tariff if your property is a:

• purpose-built holiday home
• job-related home

To show you qualify, we'll ask you for:

• information about the property
• evidence to support your application

How to apply

Download a long-term empty property tariff relief application form (DOCX, 41KB)

You can also call 030 33 33 3005 to apply.

After you apply

It normally takes about 2 weeks to process an application, as long as you've given us all the information we need. Your account will be updated as soon as a decision is made.

If you do not qualify

If you do not qualify, we'll tell you why. You can ask for a review if you do not agree with our decision. We'll send you a letter which explains how to appeal. We usually assess appeals within 5 working days.