1. Long term empty properties
Long Term Empty Property Premiums
Exeter City Council charges a premium on long-term empty dwellings. These are homes that have been unoccupied and unfurnished for at least one year. The one-year period starts from the date the property first became empty. It does not restart if there is a change of owner.
This premium is in addition to your normal Council Tax charge.
|
Long term empty property premiums. |
Percentage increase |
|
Properties which remain empty up to 1 year. |
None |
|
Properties which remain empty between 1 and 5 years. |
100% |
|
Properties which remain empty between 5 and 10 years. |
200% |
|
Properties which remain empty for more than 10 years. |
300% |
If your property falls into a category above, the relevant premium charge will be included in your council tax bill.
If the property becomes occupied as a main home, the long-term empty premium will end from that date. However, if the property should become unoccupied again before the reset period (six weeks) has passed, the premium will be applicable once more immediately. If the property is occupied for more than six weeks, the premium will not apply again for 12 months from that date it became empty.
Second Home Premiums
From 1 April 2025 Exeter City Council will apply a 100% premium to second homes. A second home is a property which is furnished but no-one lives in the property as their main home.
If you live in more than one home, we need to determine your main residence for Council Tax purposes. We may ask questions to identify your main place of residence.
This premium is in addition to your normal Council Tax charge.
If you are contractually required to live elsewhere as part of your employment, then you may be eligible for a 50% discount. You will need to provide a copy of your employment contract to confirm this.
If you think you are entitled to this reduction you should complete an Online Enquiry form selecting the Council Tax option.