Empty property charges

There is no discount for an empty property, the full charge is payable. An additional amount of Council Tax (a premium) is charged in respect of long-term empty properties. 

• From 1 April 2019, a 100% premium was added to properties left empty for two years or more.
• From 1 April 2020, a 200% premium was added to properties left empty for five years or more.
• From 1 April 2021, a 300% premium was added to properties left empty for ten years or more.

From the 1 April 2024

• Properties left empty for one year  will be charged 100% council tax on top of the full council tax, an overall charge of 200%. 
• Properties left empty for five years  or more will be charged 200% council tax on top of the full charge, an overall charge of 300%.
• Properties left empty for ten years or more will be charged 300% council tax on top of the full charge, an overall charge of 400%. 

This premium applies to the property and is not affected by changes to ownership or tenancy. If a property has been empty for at least one year upon purchase or lease of a property, you will be charged the additional premium. The premium will end once it is occupied as a person's main residence. 

View information about empty properties and the advice and support that Telford & Wrekin Council can provide to help you bring the property back into use or to sell/rent, or contact the Empty Properties team:

Telephone: 01952 381461
Email: empty.homes@telford.gov.uk

Why am I charged extra when I am not using my property?

In the November 2017 budget, the government gave local authorities the power to increase the Council Tax charge on long-term empty properties to encourage the owners to bring their properties back into use. 

The Government is introducing changes to these powers with effect from 1 April 2024, giving Council's the option to charge a premium when the property has been empty for 12 months or more. On the 2 March 2023, Telford & Wrekin Council voted to support the Government changes and the new premiums detailed below will be introduced with effect from 1  April 2024.

Does the empty property charge apply to all unoccupied properties?

Under certain circumstances an empty or unoccupied property is exempt from paying council tax, an example could be:

• someone has left their property empty to live in a residential care home
• a property has been left empty by someone who has passed away

To view full details of all our unoccupied property exemptions. 

Last updated: 02/05/2024 10:58