Full Council Tax on empty property / rental?

buckman

I just thought i'd ask here, but is the full council tax still due on a rental property that we own, that is and has been currently empty, with a view to selling it?

I thought it maybe discounted as the property is empty, but was told that this was scrapped a while back?

So thought I would ask here to see what (if any) discounts or th situation is with an empty house?

I have declared it was empty to the local council.

CIS

buckman wrote: »

I just thought i'd ask here, but is the full council tax still due on a rental property that we own, that is and has been currently empty, with a view to selling it?

I thought it maybe discounted as the property is empty, but was told that this was scrapped a while back?

So thought I would ask here to see what (if any) discounts or th situation is with an empty house?

I have declared it was empty to the local council.

Discounts haven't been scrapped but they have been altered (as of 2013) to allow then to be reduced to a 0% reduction (under delegated powers). (An exemption which used to be applicable was scrapped).

The rate of any reductions depends on the exact situation and the loca1 authorities decision on the rate of reduction.

booksurr

buckman wrote: »

I have declared it was empty to the local council.

then the answer to your question is to read the info on YOUR council website since it will explain what they charge in exactly that circumstance

theartfullodger

Just think, rent it out, no council tax to pay AND rent income!!

Fuzzyness

theartfullodger wrote: »

Just think, rent it out, no council tax to pay AND rent income!!

the OP did say it was empty as they were looking to sell it, otherwise agreed, why keep it empty and pay for the privilege.

buckman

Fuzzyness wrote: »

the OP did say it was empty as they were looking to sell it, otherwise agreed, why keep it empty and pay for the privilege.

Well its empty as a tenancy has just ended, and have decided to sell it.

If it doesn't sell within a certain timeframe, then we have the option to re-let, but coming from last tenancy, as we are owed monies, and damages, we are understandably reticent to re-let and just sell now.

LEJC

you might also want to check the local website for council tax to confirm if a property is empty whether you need to pay extra payments....I understand that some councils actually apply a higher council tax rate the longer the property remains empty....something to think about especially if you feel the sale may take quite a while.

Also dont forget you will still need insurance on the property....

These are the times that traditionally LL'S refer to as voids...and so the basics still need to be covered.

CIS

LEJC wrote: »

you might also want to check the local website for council tax to confirm if a property is empty whether you need to pay extra payments....I understand that some councils actually apply a higher council tax rate the longer the property remains empty....something to think about especially if you feel the sale may take quite a while.

Also dont forget you will still need insurance on the property....

These are the times that traditionally LL'S refer to as voids...and so the basics still need to be covered.

In England it's 2 years before the 50% premium can be applied.

Crig

bigfreddiel

As the others said, each council has their own rules.

But check what 'empty' means. Empty and unfurnished may be different as far as council tax goes. Then there is the insurance implications, if a property is empty your insurance could sky rocket. I know, mine was £250/year and once empty but furnished the renewal was £2,000/year, and that was through a broker.

So be very careful that you tell both council and insurer the exact circumstances.

Good luck fj

CIS

But check what 'empty' means. Empty and unfurnished may be different as far as council tax goes.

Substantially unfurnished is the definition used for council tax discount purposes- the general interpretation of that would be insufficient furniture for a person to live at a basic level.

Craig