Homes that are empty for over a year

How it works

Properties empty for less than six months

If your empty property is unoccupied and unfurnished, you may be entitled to a 100% discount for six months. 

This is a property-based discount and it starts when the property first becomes unoccupied and substantially unfurnished, irrespective or any changes of ownership or tenants.

Find out how you can apply for a discount

After the six-month period, no discount will be awarded, and the full Council Tax is due.

Premiums for properties left empty for more than one year

For properties left empty for more than one year will be subject to a Council Tax premium, meaning that for these properties, the liable person will pay an additional charge on top of their normal Council Tax.

Properties empty between one and five years

Premium payable: 100%

Total Council Tax payable: 200%

Properties empty between 5 and 10 years

Premium payable: 200%

Total Council Tax payable: 300%

Properties empty for more than 10 years

Premium payable: 300%

Total Council Tax payable: 400%

Exceptions from a long term empty premium charge

On 1 April 2025 we introduced a number of mandatory exceptions from the long term premium.

Details about mandatory exceptions, including how to apply for one and the documents you will need to support your application

There are separate application forms for the former Barrow, Eden and South Lakeland areas. Please select the form for the area you live in.

Discretionary premium exceptions

If your property does not qualify for a mandatory exception, you may be able to apply for a discretionary exception. 

You can find full details of the discretionary local exceptions in our Council Tax Premium Exceptions Policy 2025 to 2026 (PDF ,  231KB)

Application form for a discretionary exception to a Council Tax Empty Home Premium (PDF , 90KB)

Details about how to return your application form can be found on the final page.

Properties undergoing structural alteration or major repair

We no longer offer discounts for properties that need or are undergoing structural alteration or major repair to make it habitable.

You can contact the Valuation Office Agency to lodge a proposal to request the property be removed from the Council Tax Valuation List.

Proposal to alter the valuation list form on GOV.UK

Find out more about domestic properties which are in disrepair or are derelict on GOV.UK