Homeowners in a UK city who keep empty houses or own a second home will have to shell out more council tax as a part of new measures introduced by the council. Property owners in Trafford are set to pay up to three times the normal rate of council tax as the council plans to bring empty properties back into use.
The initiative, aimed at bringing unoccupied properties back into use, is anticipated to generate approximately £300,000 in additional annual council tax revenue, reported Manchester Evening News.
As per the legislation, the council has the authority to impose an extra 100 percent council tax (resulting in a total of 200 percent) on properties vacant for one to five years starting April 1 of this year.
Additionally, the council possesses the discretion to apply the same measures to all second homes from April 1, 2025.
This development follows the Royal Assent granted to the Levelling Up and Regeneration Bill in October 2023.
For properties unoccupied for a duration between five and 10 years, the premium escalates to 200 percent, while those vacant for over a decade face a 300 percent increase.
According to a report presented to the Trafford executive, the council currently identifies 549 empty homes subject to the one-year-long empty premium starting from April.
Notably, second homeowners presently contribute the same council tax as individuals with only one residence.
The report read: “Second home ownership is recognised to have a negative impact in terms of the supply of homes available to meet local housing need.”
There are currently 797 properties on the council tax records which are classified as second homes.
“It is proposed that the council now takes steps to implement the maximum charge on second homes,” the report said.
Among exemptions of the new charges are: Empty properties undergoing probate [when relatives have died]; empty properties being actively marketed for sale or let; new owners of empty properties undergoing major repairs; second homes annexes that form part of, or are being treated as part of, the main dwelling; second homes job-related dwelling, properties subject to legal, technical or complex planning issues.
