FTB Coucil TAx

nollafb

Hi,

First post here, hope someone can help me out.

I've recently had an offer accepted on a property and have sorted out my mortgage and everything else so fingers crossed. The question i have is the house is in need of quite serious modernisation, the kind that will keep us out of it for at least the next 2 months :eek:
i have been told that if you are not living in the house while the work is being done you are entitled to reduced council tax rate, does anyone know if this is true? (i checked the gov website but couldn't really understand it)

Thanks in advance.

olly300

You need to contact the council where the house is situated so use a search engine i.e. google to find them.

going2die_rich

I am sure if you don't have access to hot water you can say it's still being renovated, so not be eligble to pay council tax. I am sure I read something along them lines. But the best way to do it is to contact the council as suggested above to be certain.

Doozergirl

It can be different for each council but usually you are entitled to a 6 month exemption if the house is empty and unfurnished. The 6 months starts when the previous resident moved out, so it's possible it has already been used up. If you speak to the council, they will know.

nollafb

Thanks,

The house has been empty for 3 months now, so hopefully we will still have the other 3 months remaining. I will contact the council as recommended and hopefully they will be able to give further advice.

olive84

My friend had a total exemption when she was having work done and the flat was empty. She did have to produce all the receipts for materials and stuff though.

Obi.

A friend has undertaken a similar project - has not been living in the house for over 6 months! As far as I know he has not paid a penny in council tax as no-one is living there. The only requirement being that it be unfurnished. (His only water supply is from the garden tap though, so that may contribute towards it!)

Daisies

I completed on my house and moved in 3 weeks later - rang the council to give them my details on the completion day and they didn't charge me for the first 3 weeks when the house was empty.