Empty Homes Premium

Premiums have been introduced with a view to encouraging homeowners to occupy homes and not leave them long term vacant.

If properties are empty and unfurnished for long-term periods

From April 1 2026, additional premiums apply to properties left unoccupied for over one year, as follows:

• If empty for over one year - full council tax rates will be payable plus an additional 100% charge
• If empty for over five years - full council tax rates will be payable plus an additional 200% charge
• If empty for over ten years - full council tax rates will be payable plus an additional 300% charge

Exemptions from long term empty premium

These exemptions apply to the long term empty premium:

• A property which is being actively marketed for sale or rent - this applies for a maximum of 12 months from the date active marketing commenced, or until the property has been sold or rented, whichever is the sooner
• A property undergoing probate - this applies for 12 months from the date that probate was granted
• A property empty due to someone residing in job-related armed forces accommodation
• An annex which forms part of, or being treated as, part of the main dwelling - this will not apply to annexes not being used as part of the main residence
• A property that is undergoing major repairs or structural alterations (12 months limit)
• Caravan pitches and boat moorings
• Seasonal homes with occupancy restrictions

If you believe an exemption to the empty home premium will apply, email counciltax@castlepoint.gov.uk quoting your Council Tax reference number with any supporting documentation.

Castle Point Council Tax Empty Homes Second Homes Premiums Policy 2026 [pdf] 241KB