Council Tax on empty property

chipmunk

China2 wrote: »

I believe you can get a discount on 2nd homes/holiday homes so you may be able to apply to the council that way to get the bill reduced?

Thanks for that, I'll look into it.

lincroft1710

bifold wrote: »

But it would stop 'squatters':D

On the contrary, they'd just "squat" over the hole where the toilet was!

BTW removing the toilet does not make a house uninhabitable.

If your mother died in January, what was the date you obtained probate as the exemption runs from date of death until 6 months after probate granted.

lincroft1710

China2 wrote: »

I believe you can get a discount on 2nd homes/holiday homes so you may be able to apply to the council that way to get the bill reduced?

It's not a second home as the owners are now The Executor(s) of Chipmunk's Late Mother.

Busyliz

Hi
I have been in a similar situation with mother in law who died in the October 2010 our solicitor was very good and advised us to leave furniture in the premises for 6 months as the local council (Oldham) give council tax relief for the first 6 months, we then took all the furniture out and were able to claim tax reflief for another 6 months as the premises was now unfunished, we put the house up for a realistic price and sold within a month with completion in July

mah_jong

My siblings are I are similar, house been on the market for year paying 90% council tax. Still furniture in it so cant get further discount. I enquired about council tax the week of fathers death, and received first demand a week later. We have to empty contents out to get 0% for 6 months and then 6 months at 50%. Solicitor said houses sell better with furniture in!

Price below well valuation but only a handful of viewings.

Only way forward as I can see is spend money to update but no one else wants to do this.

Miss_Poohs

Sorry to hear about your mum Chipmunk - its a difficult time isn't it?

I'm in a similar situation, although I've gone down the renting route as I really cant see my parents house selling in the foreseeable future.


My dad died last September and I decided to rent out the house as the housing market here in Glasgow is so flat.


I really cant see things changing in the near future so I bought out my sisters share - she lives overseas and just wanted her cash, and I've let the house out.


Its not a cheap option though and I realise if this arrangement extends beyond 2 years I'll be liable for capital gains tax when I do sell, so what I gain in one hand I lose in the other.

Hope you get a sale soon.

Miss P

CIS

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!

Many areas have now gone to a 0% discount for unoccupied and unfurnished properties. The 6 months following probate is set in law as part of the Class F exemption but once that runs out the council have some discretion over the rate they charge (they can award between 50% and 0% discount) when the property remains unoccupied and unfurnished.

motherofstudents

sorry to hear about your mum. I am in a similar position as my mum died recently. The council told us we get 6 months initially and then if we empty it of furniture, we will get another 6 months.

dopester

chipmunk wrote: »

Thanks, you're right of course, yes I would. Just feel it's a bit harsh having to pay full tax for greatly reduced services. Obviously, we don't mind paying something towards services we still might use.

A new owner would have to pay their council tax for it.

You've had a "council tax free period" 6 months to leave it empty and in which to sell it.

It's healthy for the housing market too. Having to pay council tax on empty homes after 6 months focuses the mind of the seller about price. It means a seller is slightly less likely to hold out for top-price for years on years, leaving a house empty and hogging-up resources, when they're paying annual council tax on an empty home.

If I were in charge I'd double council tax rates on empty properties.

Miss_Poohs

Just glad you're not in charge then :j LOL