Council Tax On Unoccupied Property
If you own a property that becomes unoccupied one of the first things to do is to check with your local authority about possible exemptions from Council Tax and with your insurance company as you may need to purchase specialist unoccupied property insurance. In relation to Tax, the CAB website www.adviceguide.org.uk has some general guidance – here is a brief summary of their main points
Properties that may be exempt include:
• Unoccupied and unfurnished – 6 months max
• Unoccupied and needing major works to make it fit for habitation – 12 months max
• Condemned
• Re-possessed by lender
• Empty because former resident needs to be cared for elsewhere
• Some British Council tenants
• Unoccupied residential boat or caravan- 6 months max
• Occupants all under 18
• Occupants all have severe mental impairment
• Self contained unit where occupant is a dependent relative.
Do not take this as guidance on your individual case- make sure you check with the relevant experts. Also be sure to set up a specialist unoccupied property insurance; a standard homeowner insurance policy will probably not be suitable.
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