From 1 April 2023, a 100% charge will apply to properties that are empty and unfurnished. There will be no period of discount from council tax. This will take effect from the first day a property becomes empty.
The decision to charge 100% was agreed by the North Yorkshire Council Executive on 5 July 2022 and follows a process of bringing together the existing policies of the seven districts that will merge on 1 April 2023 with North Yorkshire County Council to form North Yorkshire Council.
Long terms empty and unfurnished properties
Properties left empty and unfurnished for a substantial period are liable to an empty property premium charge.
Properties empty between two and five years
After two years an unoccupied and unfurnished property is charged two times the amount of council tax as an occupied property. This is a 100% premium.
Properties empty for more than five years
After five years a further premium is applied and an unfurnished property is charged three times the amount of council tax as an occupied property. This is a 200% premium.
Properties empty for more than ten years
After five years a further premium is applied and an unfurnished property is charged four times the amount of council tax as an occupied property. This is a 300% premium.
Help for owners of empty homes
We can provide further information and advice about bringing empty homes back into use.
Help for owners of empty homes
We can provide further information and advice about bringing empty homes back into use.
Unoccupied and furnished properties and second homes
If no one lives in a property, and it remains furnished, full council tax is payable. This applies to most holiday and second homes. A 50% discount applies however if either
- the dwelling is a pitch occupied by a caravan or a mooring occupied by a boat or
- you are required to live in another specific property and it is a condition in your contract of employment
Exemptions for empty properties
Some empty properties such as those owned by a charity, an unoccupied annexe, someone in a care home or receiving care elsewhere are fully exempt from charge.