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Council Tax for empty properties to double

Christina Hoghton
Written By:
Christina Hoghton
Posted:
Updated:
22/11/2017

The Chancellor used his Budget to give Local Authorities the power to charge a 100% Council Tax premium to those with empty properties

Owners of empty properties were in the firing line of the Budget, as the Chancellor laid out plans to boost housing supply.

Local Authorities will be able to charge a 100% Council Tax surcharge to people who own properties without any tenants, up from the current level of 50%.

The measure is not expected to raise significant amounts for the Treasury, but it’s a symbolic move by Chancellor Philip Hammond, critics said.

He also laid out plans to create 300,000 new homes a year and to scrap Stamp Duty for first-time buyers.

Blane Perrotton, managing director of national surveyors Naismiths, said: “The 100% Council Tax premium on empty properties may not amount to much financially but it represents a tougher stance by the government that should be applauded.”

John Phillips, group operations director for Just Mortgages and Spicerhaart, added: “The Chancellor promised a Budget that was good for the housing market, and in the main, he has delivered, with pledges to pour £44bn into building new homes, clamping down on empty properties and cutting Stamp Duty for first-time buyers.”