The Government have made some changes to the Council Tax regulations that allows additional premiums to be charged for empty homes, particularly those that have been standing empty for long periods of time.

The principle aims of introducing the Empty Homes Premium was to bring empty properties back in to use.

Empty homes are not just a problem in Charnwood but nationally and are a wasted resource. Given the acute need for housing, it is vital that every effort is made to bring such properties back into use at the earliest opportunity.

Following consultation with residents of Charnwood, the Council decided to change the Empty Homes Premium with effect from 1st April 2019, as follows:

Length of time property empty

Additional Premium

2 – 5 years (introduce from 2019)

100%

5 – 10 years (introduce from 2020)

200%

10 years + (introduce from 2021)

300%

The Empty Homes Premium will be added to any property which has remained empty and unfurnished for longer than two years; regardless of how long the current owner has had the property, except for when:

  • The property is the main residence of a member of the armed forces absent as a result of such service
  • The property forms part of a single property (i.e. an annex) which is being treated as a part of the main dwelling by a resident of that property
  • The property is on the market for sale or rent

If you would like further information about the Empty Homes Premium, please contact us by calling 03456 091258 or use our online contact form.

Last updated: Mon 16th January, 2023 @ 11:42