Council Tax Changes for Empty Properties

We have been given to understand from Swansea Council that from April 2020 there will be variation in council tax fees with the following implications for homeowners:

Empty Properties

For all properties that remain empty for longer than 12 months, the homeowner will be subjected to a 200% charge on their council tax bill. The charge is per property, and not per owner, therefore, if a new owner has just purchased the property and it’s been empty for longer than 12 months, then this additional charge will still apply.

If a property has not been empty prior to its sale then there will be a nil charge for the first 6 months and then a 50% charge for the following 6 months. However, on the 12 months mark the charge instantly increase to the 200% rate.

Properties undergoing major building works

If a property is being redeveloped and substantial works are taking place then the council recommend that the owner contacts the council tax section as there is a discount for major works taking place but they will need to discuss this with the council tax section as the discount is time-limited and only able to be applied once over the lifetime of the property (i.e. the previous owner may have already had it).

Properties genuinely up for sale or rent

The council state that if the property is genuinely up for sale or rent then the 50% discount can be extended but only for a period of up to 12 months and checks will be made on whether it fits into this category.

Second homes

The 200% charge will be applied to second homes from April 2021.

For more information regarding this please contact us:

11 Walter Road, Swansea, SA1 5NF

☎︎ 01792 478904