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Empty property discount / exemption

Empty properties

If a property that you own, or a property that you are liable for, is unoccupied and substantially unfurnished, you may be eligible for a discount. This discount is 100% and is valid for a maximum of 3 months from the date it became unoccupied and unfurnished. Following this a full charge is payable on the property.

If the property has previously had the discount it can't be applied again, even if there is a change of ownership.

Uninhabitable properties

The Uninhabitable Property discount is granted to properties which are unoccupied, unfurnished and requiring or undergoing major repairs or structural alterations.

You may be entitled to a 50% discount for a maximum period of 12 months. 

Please provide all relevant evidence confirming works carried out with your application. Without it, the application won't be considered. You will be able to upload evidence using the online form below.

Examples of evidence required:

  • invoices relating to work carried out
  • photographs
  • receipts
  • estate agents details
  • surveyor's reports

This list above contains examples; there are no specific pieces of evidence we require, but we must be satisfied that the property is uninhabitable.

If you have had to leave your property due to illness, or to provide care

Residents that have moved to nursing or residential homes or long stay hospital wards may be exempt from paying Council Tax. This may also apply if you have moved away to receive care due to old age, disablement or illness, or to provide care for someone else.

If a property is left empty when someone dies

An exemption may be applied until probate (official proving of a will) or letters of administration are granted and for up to 6 months after this if the property remains unoccupied.