Council Tax: 6-month premium relief for long-term empty properties undergoing major renovations

If you have recently become the owner of a property that has been empty for over 12 months, we may be able to offer a 6-month Council Tax premium relief if you are making major renovations to it.

This support is designed to help new owners bring long-term empty homes back into use as permanent main residences.

What’s available

If your application is approved, the Council Tax premium will be removed for 6 months. This means you will be charged the standard Council Tax during this period instead of the premium rate. 

Who is eligible? 

You may be eligible for the 6-month premium relief at a long-term empty property if:

  • you became the new owner within the last 6 months
  • it has been empty and unfurnished for at least 12 months before you became the new owner - you can contact us if you would like to find this out
  • you are carrying out major renovation work to make the property liveable
  • the property will be used as a main residence once work is finished

Examples of major renovations include:

  • structural alterations, such as removing or reconfiguring load-bearing walls
  • stripping out internal walls, floors, ceilings, fixtures and fittings
  • comprehensive repair schemes following fire or flood damage that affect most of the property
  • demolition of significant sections of the building and rebuild
  • rebuilding or extensive underpinning of foundations
  • any other large-scale works that go well beyond routine maintenance

This relief will not be awarded to:

  • second homes
  • holiday lets
  • properties not intended to be lived in as a main residence
  • properties where no active renovation work is taking place

How to apply

You must apply using the online application form.

As part of the application process, you may be asked to provide supporting information or documents about:

  • the property
  • when it was empty
  • the renovation work being carried out

Applications are assessed on a case-by-case basis

Apply online for 6-month Council Tax premium relief for a long-term empty property

Changes in your circumstances

You must let us know if anything changes that could affect your application.

If changes are not reported, we may withdraw the reduction, and ask for any relief already given to be repaid.

You can contact us to let us know about a change in your circumstances.