Safe Speed Forums

Hi

I bought a property last year to do up and sell (around the end of July) - it's been completely unfurnished and empty since then and no-one has lived in it. Am I still liable for council tax?

Regards,
Martin

I believe a house isn't liable if it's unfurnished; this is how landlords escape the tax on unrented flats.

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Views expressed are personal opinions and are not necessarily shared by the Safe Speed campaign

I could be wrong, but I believe you are liable for Council Tax on a second home even if it's empty, although you pay at a reduced rate. I’ve read that you have to contact your local council who will negotiate what you have to pay.

Edited:

Found this top of the page.

I would ring up your local council.

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Useless laws weaken necessary laws.

Thanks Dixie. I was right, but only for the first 6 months

mpaton2004, perhaps this could apply if you were 'doing up' the place:
"An unfurnished and unoccupied property in need of or undergoing structural alterations or repairs may qualify for an exemption for a maximum of 12 months (an application form must be completed to apply for this exemption)."

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Views expressed are personal opinions and are not necessarily shared by the Safe Speed campaign

I wasn't to sure either, they change things that much. BTW Smeggy I like the new smiley scull and crossed conrods

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Useless laws weaken necessary laws.

Yeah it's cool, but I can't take credit for it:

http://www.pistonheads.com/shop/asp/pro ... roduct=128

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Views expressed are personal opinions and are not necessarily shared by the Safe Speed campaign

The 6 months exemption is also limited to the property in the council tax year, not 6 months from when you buy it. So if the previous owner has left it unfurnished and used the exemption then you have to pay, though I believe it's only 50% of the remaining 6 months. At least that's what my local council told me when I did it last year, unless they were telling me porkies!

Hello,

Yes, I am doing up the property. I am coming towards the end of renovations now. I will contact the council, I have reciepts for all work as proof and they can clearly see no one could be living in the property (unless they've been sleeping on solid concrete.)

Thanks