From 1 April 2017, local authorities are able to charge a premium of up to 100% of the standard rate of council tax on long-term empty homes and second homes.

The Housing (Wales) Act 2014 introduced discretionary powers to local authorities to implement a premium on Council Tax for Long Term Empty properties and properties, which are furnished but are not permanently occupied (more commonly referred to as second or holiday homes).

Isle of Anglesey County Council has resolved to introduce a 25% Council Tax premium, effective from 1st April 2017, for properties designated as holiday / second homes or long term empty and are not in use as someone’s sole or main residence.

From 1 April 2019, the Council has determined to charge a premium of 100% in addition to the full Council Tax charge i.e. 200% with regard to long term empty property and to charge a premium of 35% in addition to the full Council Tax charge i.e. 135% with regard to a second home.

The discretion given to local authorities to charge a premium is intended to be a tool to help local authorities to:

• bring long-term empty homes back into use to provide safe, secure and affordable homes; and
• support local authorities in increasing the supply of affordable housing and enhancing the sustainability of local communities

There are some exceptions to the premium that may apply:

• Class 1 - Dwellings being marketed for sale – this exception is time-limited for one year
• Class 2 - Dwellings being marketed for let – this exception is time-limited for one year
• Class 3 - Annexes forming part of, or being treated as part of, the main dwelling
• Class 4 - Dwellings which would be someone’s sole or main residence if they were not residing in armed forces accommodation
• Class 5 - Occupied caravan pitches and boat moorings
• Class 6 - Seasonal homes where year–round occupation is prohibited
• Class 7 - Job-related dwellings

If you believe you are eligible for an exception listed above please contact us.

With effect from April 1st 2017 you will be subject to the 25% Council Tax Premium (and from 1^st April 2019 100% Council Tax Premium on long term empty property and 35% on second homes), however the Council does have schemes in place if your property remains a second home or long term empty property.

If you would like to work with the Council in order to bring the property back into full-time use we can potentially assist you.