Council tax for unoccupied house

Ames

In February my late mum's house becomes eligible for council tax again after the six month exemption. Can we get any reductions? I'd assume that we can get the 25% off, as no-one is living there?

It's still got furniture in, which I think makes a difference?

Also, is there any way we can add it to the estate as a debt and pay it when the house sells? (It's been on the market since August). As I'm really going to struggle to find £150 a month - I'm on means tested benefits.

Any info would be great, TIA.

Dunroamin

I don't know whether it varies between councils but when I was in that position it was the furniture which was the crucial factor.

Regarding paying it, I don't know the answer regarding having the debt added to the estate but didn't you and your sister inherit jointly?

paddedjohn

You would have to contact your own council for the exact answer but afaik the 25% reduction only applies if there is a single occupant, not if it's empty. When my Dad died a few years ago I was given over 12 months free to sell the property

sleepless_saver

It would be worth speaking to the council to see if they are willing to exercise discretion to extend the exemption as the property is on the market but taking longer than expected to sell. Especially as you are on means tested benefits.

Foxy16

I don't know if each Council varies on its rules, but I was told that after 6months exemption on my empty property, I would then be liable for 50% of the Council Tax.

BurnleyBob

I think that most councils operate a 50% CT discount for properties that are empty, no one's main home and are substantially unfurnished (meaning no furniture, possibly no beds too).

Dunroamin

paddedjohn wrote: »

You would have to contact your own council for the exact answer but afaik the 25% reduction only applies if there is a single occupant, not if it's empty. When my Dad died a few years ago I was given over 12 months free to sell the property

Yes, I'd forgotten we didn't get the 25% discount when it was empty.

Red_dog_Sam

A property left empty by someone who has died can attract a class "F" exemption which lasts until probate is granted and then for up to 6 months after. Exemption would only end sooner if and when the property is transferred to a beneficiary when they become liable for the council tax.

The property should only get the 6 month empty and unfurnised exemption if it were substantially unfurnished yet you have suggesetd it is actually furnished in which case this exemption - Class C - shouldn't really apply. If the property is subject to probate you are exempt under class F anyway but if it is no longer subject to probate it would only attract an empty discount for being unoccupied - sometimes as low as a 10% reduction, depending on the council. It would be entitled to a 6 month class C only after it became both unoccupied and unfurnished.

pmlindyloo

Have a read of this and then contact your local council.

https://www.gov.uk/council-tax/second-homes-and-empty-properties

Ames

Thanks everyone, we've had the exemptions under probate etc, which run out in February. It looks like the furniture is the sticking point. I'll get in touch with the council to find out what their rules are, then I'll have to do some sums regarding storage costs, and the impact on being able to sell the house and if the value will be affected if it's unfurnished.

Dunroamin, yes I inherited with my sister but as executor the bills come to me and I can't force her to pay if she says no.

Mojisola

Ames wrote: »

Dunroamin, yes I inherited with my sister but as executor the bills come to me and I can't force her to pay if she says no.

Are you selling the house as the executor? If so, all the bills will come out of the estate before you distribute the money. There must be insurance and heating bills to pay on the property. The CT will just be another.