Empty property premium | Sefton Council

Long Term Empty Property Premium

An additional amount of Council Tax (a Premium) is charged when a property has been empty and unfurnished for two years or more, regardless of any change in ownership.

The Government introduced an amendment to the legislation in November 2018 – The Rating (Property in Common Occupation) and Council Tax (Empty Dwellings) Act 2018, which allows councils to further increase the Council Tax premium on long term empty unfurnished properties.

These charges will still apply if you have just purchased a property that has previously been empty as the charges relate to the property and are not related to the ownership.

Duration	Charge
2 to 5 years	a premium of 100% making a total payable of 200% of the full Council Tax charge.
5 to 10 years	a premium of 200% making a total payable of 300% of the full Council Tax charge.
More than 10 years	a premium of 300% making a total payable of 400% of the full Council Tax charge.

To ensure the Council Tax is correct, please inform the Council Tax office when your property is either sold or let providing full details of the new tenants or owner.

Empty homes strategy in Sefton

For information or advice regarding empty homes in Sefton please see 'The Empty Homes Plan 2019 - 2024' on www.sefton.gov.uk/emptyhomesplan, alternatively you can contact the Housing Standards team on 0345 140 0845 or email private.housing@sefton.gov.uk.