Council Tax

cox377

Hello all,

I purchased a property two years ago. I didn’t realise the work involved and it took me 20 months to get it into a habitable state.

I applied for a council tax exception due to the work that was being carried out. I got 7 months at 0% then the following 13 months at 100%.

12 months seems to be the standard for properties under serious renovation. I got 7 months. I'm sure I was advised this was because the previous owner had used up some of the 'Exception time'.

Is the exception time based on the property or the owner?

Thanks

James

Doozergirl

Usually it is the property, especially with 'empty and unfurnished' discounts.

However, with major renovations, we have always been given 12 months and I know that some properties have been empty before we purchased.

I think though that it does depend on the Local Authority.

cox377

do you think there are any grounds for appeal?

Doozergirl

I think it's worth another conversation. But it isn't unusual for them to offer a total maximum of 12 months and with LAs, it seems to be much better speaking to them at the time than when the exemption finishes when they just want money. You'd have been better paying it for a bit as occupied and then registering it unoccupied again. They won't let you do that retrospectively.

cox377

You make an acceptionally good point re paying then stopping. I didnt however think it would take me anywhere near as long lol! I also didnt realise there was only 7 months on it left. I applied for the first 6 months then applied for the second 6 months.