Long Term Empty Property Premium
An additional amount of Council Tax (a Premium) is charged when a property has been empty and unfurnished for two years or more, regardless of any change in ownership.
The Government introduced an amendment to the legislation in November 2018 – The Rating (Property in Common Occupation) and Council Tax (Empty Dwellings) Act 2018, which allows councils to further increase the Council Tax premium on long term empty unfurnished properties.
For properties that have been unoccupied and unfurnished for more than two years, a premium of 100% will be applied. This means that 200% Council Tax is payable for such properties.
For properties that have been unoccupied and unfurnished for more than 5 years, a premium of 200% will be applied. This will mean that 300% Council Tax is payable for such properties.
To ensure the Council Tax is correct, please inform the Council Tax office when your property is either, sold or let providing full details of the new tenants or owner.
Empty homes strategy in Sefton
For information or advice regarding empty homes in Sefton please see 'The Empty Homes Plan 2019 - 2024' on www.sefton.gov.uk/emptyhomesplan, alternatively you can contact the Housing Standards team on 0345 140 0845 or email private.housing@sefton.gov.uk.