The council is proposing to reduce the qualifying period from 2 years to 1 year. If introduced, properties left empty and substantially unfurnished for 1 year or more would be charged 200% council tax.
The proposed change aims to encourage owners to bring empty homes back into use and help meet housing demand. Any additional income raised through the premium would help support local services.
Councils can apply the empty homes premium after 1 year and many London local authorities have done so since April 2024.
Current empty homes premiums
The council currently applies a 100% empty homes premium to properties that have been empty for 2 years or more.
| Empty duration | Premium percentage | Total council tax charge |
|---|---|---|
| Less than 2 years | None | 100% |
| Between 2 and 5 years | 100% | 200% |
| Between 5 and 10 years | 200% | 300% |
| Over 10 years | 300% | 400% |
A property must be occupied or substantially furnished for a continuous period of at least 6 weeks before the empty homes premium period is reset.
Find out more about empty homes and council tax premiums:
- How Council Tax works: Second homes and empty properties - GOV.UK
- Empty properties and second homes - Hillingdon Council
Have your say
We would like to hear your views on the proposed changes and understand how they may affect you.
To find out more and share your views, complete our online form by Sunday 22 November.
If you would like a paper copy of this form, or need help completing it, email residentempowerment@hillingdon.gov.uk or call 01895 277038.
If an interpreter is needed, please see our translation guide.