Council Tax premium for long term empty homes

We currently charge an Empty Homes Premium for properties that have been unoccupied and substantially unfurnished for 2 years or more.

The term 'substantially unfurnished' is not defined in the legislation.

We consider it to mean that there is no more than 1 removable item of furniture per room (excluding the bathroom) in the property. It does not make any difference whether the furniture is all stored in one room or in different rooms.

We do not count carpets, curtains, and white goods as furniture.

The amount we charge depends on how long the property has been empty.

Other councils may have different policies.

If you buy an empty property, check with us when the property first became empty and unfurnished to work out what premium is due.

Empty homes premium charges

Doing major work on a property

If you are paying the Empty Homes Premium for a property and doing major work that means no-one can live there, we can remove the premium for up to 12 months. 

Download the major repairs (Class D) reduction form (PDF, 326KB) 

Putting empty homes back into use

Many people in Cheshire East need a home and reusing empty properties is a good source of housing. See Empty Homes for advice on:

• becoming a landlord
• selling your property
• repairing your property

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Contact Council Tax

Council Tax enquiry form

Call the Council Tax Customer Service Team on 0300 123 5013 during office hours, 8.30am to 5 pm Monday to Friday, if you're unable to use our forms.

 

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Page last reviewed: 23 August 2023