Homeowners whose properties have been standing empty for more than a year will be charged double their usual council tax rate.

Ealing Council implemented this new charging system from 1 April, in line with government legislation, to help tackle the affordable housing crisis and bring empty homes back into use.

The council has been charging a premium for a number of years, on homes that had been empty for 2 years or more. It helps to encourage the owner to rent it out, carry out essential repairs, or sell it sooner.

Properties that have been standing empty for more than 5 or 10 years are charged an even higher rate.

Councillor Louise Brett, the council’s deputy leader and cabinet member for safe and genuinely affordable homes, said: “The shortage of good homes is a huge challenge in the borough. This scheme aims to reduce the number of properties left empty for long periods, and bring them back into use.”

“Supply of affordable housing is a huge issue across London, and schemes like this are key to ensuring that families in our borough can have access to safe, and genuinely affordable homes,” added Councillor Shital Manro, the council’s cabinet member for good growth and new homes.

Any affected homeowners will have received an amended council tax bill.

More to come…

Second homes and unoccupied furnished properties will have a similar premium introduced to their council tax charges from April 2025.

There are some exclusions to these charges, for example if the home is under probate.

And, from next April, the council will also start charging extra for second homes, where the property is not occupied as someone’s sole or main residence. Affected households will be notified so they can make any necessary changes to their living arrangements before this new rule is introduced.

How can I reduce my council tax?

If you own an empty or second home, you may be able to reduce your council tax bill by:

• renting out your property to a tenant or a lodger
• applying for a discount of 100% which will expire after the first 14 days of your property becoming empty
• carrying out renovation works or structural alterations to bring your property back into use. While the works are carried out, you may apply to the Valuation Office Agency with a proposal to remove your property from the valuation listing. No council tax would be payable if your property is removed from the valuation list.