Council Tax on empty property

chipmunk

My wonderful Mum passed away in January leaving her house to my two brothers and myself. We had 6 months council tax after probate at 0% but have just received a bill for 7 months at 100% - £978!

It's been up for sale since Mum died but no offers yet (except for stupid ones!).

We knew this would be happening so not a surprise, just having a rant:D I thinks it's disgraceful, I mean what actual drain on resources is an empty property and what are we actually paying for? The council don't even empty the bins anymore.

Wyndham

Have you spoken to the council? I didn't think there was a charge for empty properties...

Milliemoodle_2

Have you spoken to the council about paying monthly, rather than paying for the whole of the rest of the year in one go?

chipmunk

Wyndham wrote: »

Have you spoken to the council? I didn't think there was a charge for empty properties...

Milliemoodle wrote: »

Have you spoken to the council about paying monthly, rather than paying for the whole of the rest of the year in one go?

Thanks for your replies.

Wyndham, there didn't used to be but the councils got wise to the loss of revenue so they do now !

Milliemoodle, thanks we are paying monthly. I was just having a rant about the amount we have to pay for nothing in return :mad:

ETA, it's even more of a sting 'cos when Mum was alive, she only paid 75% council tax under single occupancy

poppysarah

chipmunk wrote: »

My wonderful Mum passed away in January leaving her house to my two brothers and myself. We had 6 months council tax after probate at 0% but have just received a bill for 7 months at 100% - £978!

It's been up for sale since Mum died but no offers yet (except for stupid ones!).

We knew this would be happening so not a surprise, just having a rant:D I thinks it's disgraceful, I mean what actual drain on resources is an empty property and what are we actually paying for? The council don't even empty the bins anymore.

What price is it and how silly are the offers?

Have you considered they might not be silly offers?

poppysarah

chipmunk wrote: »

Milliemoodle, thanks we are paying monthly. I was just having a rant about the amount we have to pay for nothing in return :mad:

Well sell it!

You haven't paid for the house - it's been given you because your mother has died.

dazeruk

chipmunk wrote: »

I thinks it's disgraceful, I mean what actual drain on resources is an empty property and what are we actually paying for?

If the house caught fire, you'd still expect the fire brigade to attend or if it was burgled, the police to attend.

chipmunk

It's £150,000, comparble to similar properties in the area (sought-after area) and with extra features (conservatory etc.), is in superb condition inside and out. The "stupidist" offer we had was just under £112,000. We can maintain the cost of the property for quite a while on that difference so not a tempting offer.

poppysarah

dazeruk wrote: »

If the house caught fire, you'd still expect the fire brigade to attend or if it was burgled, the police to attend.

I hope the OP has the appropriate insurance too.
Empty properties cost more don't they?

poppysarah

chipmunk wrote: »

It's £150,000, comparble to similar properties in the area (sought-after area) and with extra features (conservatory etc.), is in superb condition inside and out. The "stupidist" offer we had was just under £112,000. We can maintain the cost of the property for quite a while on that difference so not a tempting offer.

Obviously not that much.

Have you look at what things are selling for?

Sellers are still way too optimistic on price.

chipmunk

poppysarah wrote: »

Well sell it!

You haven't paid for the house - it's been given you because your mother has died.

If you'd taken the time to read my original post, you would know that the property is for sale

poppysarah wrote: »

I hope the OP has the appropriate insurance too.
Empty properties cost more don't they?

Of course we have:D

poppysarah wrote: »

Obviously not that much.

Have you look at what things are selling for?

Sellers are still way too optimistic on price.

Thanks for your comment. Have to say, your comments appear to be a tad aggressive.:(