Council Tax discounts for empty and unfurnished properties
Find out if you can get a discount if your property is empty and unfurnished, and how to apply.
When you can get a discount
You'll usually have to pay the full amount of Council Tax on your empty property, whether it's furnished or not.
However, there are some circumstances when we can give you a full discount.
| Reason for being empty | When you can get a discount |
|---|---|
| Property is owned by a charity | The empty property was last used by a charity, it's exempt from Council Tax for up to 6 months after becoming empty. |
| Owner or tenant of the property is in prison | The owner or tenant is in prison, unless they're in prison for not paying Council Tax. |
| Owner or tenant of the property is in hospital or a care home | The owner or tenant has moved out to receive treatment in a hospital or care home. |
| Owner or tenant of the property has died | Find out when you can get discount if someone has died. |
| Property can't be occupied by law | For example if a compulsory purchase order has been made. If someone lives in the property despite a law, they'll still have to pay Council Tax. |
| Property left empty for a minister of religion | The property is being kept empty for a minister of religion to perform their duties, for example a vicarage. |
| Owner or tenant of the property is receiving personal care | The owner or tenant has moved out to receive care due to old age, a disability or alcohol or drug dependence. This includes people looked after by relatives. |
| Owner or tenant of the property is providing personal care | The owner or tenant has moved out to provide care to someone due to old age, disability or alcohol or drug dependence. They don't need to live with the person being cared for. |
| Property left empty by a student | The property is owned by a student who has moved out to study elsewhere. |
| Property has been repossessed by a mortgage company | The property has been repossessed but hasn't been sold yet. |
| The person responsible for the Council Tax is a trustee in bankruptcy | The full discount will continue until the property is sold, or the trustee disclaims interest in the property. |
| Property is a pitch or mooring without a caravan or boat | A discount can only be given to pitches or moorings that aren't occupied by a caravan or a boat. |
| Property is an annexe | An annexe that can't be rented out separately from the main part of the property is exempt from Council Tax. |
Apply for a discount
You can apply for a discount online if you think your property comes under any of the circumstances in the table above.