Effective from 1 April, the UK’s Department for Levelling Up, Housing, and Communities, along with Simon Hoare MP, have announced the implementation of stricter measures aimed at addressing the issue of long-term vacant properties. The revised legislation mandates a 100% council tax premium on homes left empty for more than a year, a significant reduction from the previous two-year threshold. This initiative is designed to alleviate the housing affordability crisis and unlock additional funding for public services or to help reduce the overall council tax burden.

In response to a public consultation, the government has outlined a few carefully considered exceptions to ensure fairness towards homeowners. These include allowances for properties undergoing major refurbishment, second homes with planning usage restrictions, and a grace period for homes recently inherited, to ease the financial pressure on bereaved families.

Local Government Minister Simon Hoare highlighted the detrimental impact of long-term empty properties on local communities, particularly on families and young individuals struggling to access housing within their own communities. The government’s strategy aims to revitalise housing availability by empowering councils with the tools to bring more homes into use, complementing broader housing reforms. These reforms include increased regulation of short-term lets to prevent the displacement of local residents and support the sustainability of communities.

As part of the government’s ambitious housing strategy, this move aligns with the goal to deliver one million homes within the current parliamentary term, supported by a £10 billion investment. This comprehensive approach seeks not only to expand the housing stock but also to ensure that existing homes benefit those in need, reflecting a commitment to a more equitable and dynamic housing landscape in the UK.