Long term empty property charges

Long-term empty property premium

Newcastle City Council has made a commitment to reduce the number of empty homes in the area. The aim is to:

• to reduce the negative impact empty properties have on neighbourhoods
• to increase the supply of affordable housing in the city.

To help us do this, council tax is charged in full from when the property became empty. An additional premium charge is then applied on top of this to empty properties as detailed below:

• Between 1 and 5 years we charge a premium of 100% this means that owners of these properties will pay 200% of the council tax charge (this came in to effect from 1 April 2024, prior to this the 100% premium was charged between 2 and 5 years) 
• Between 5 and 10 years, we charge a premium of 200% this means that owners of these properties will pay 300% of the council tax charge 
• Over 10 years, we charge a premium of 300% this means that owners of these properties will pay 400% of the council tax charge 

From 1 April 2025, a second property premium of 100% where there is not a resident, and the property is furnished will be applied. 

The premium applies to the property based on the length of time the property has been empty. If the property has remained empty this will not affect the premium even if there is:

• a change in ownership
• a change in tenancy
• a change in leaseholder

If a long-term empty property becomes occupied

• you must notify us of the new occupier’s details and the date that they moved in within 21 days
• we may need to carry out an inspection of the property
• you will need to provide evidence if we are not notified within 21 days of the change taking place.

Moving in form

Tell us if you sell a long-term empty property

If you are no longer the owner of the long term empty property you must tell us within 21 days.

Please have the following information at hand before you complete the form:

• Your council tax reference number for the property you are selling
• Full address details of the empty property or second home
• Full address details of the property that you live in
• Solicitors' details
• New owner or occupier details

Upon opening the link below, press ‘Continue’. You will need to select the option ‘Have you sold a property’ from the drop-down box. You will need to provide the relevant details for us to register the sale and close your account.

Advise of a property sale

Exceptions to the long term empty property premium charge

There some exceptions where the 200% and/or 300% premium charge may not apply.

To claim an exception, complete the enquiry form below. Provide as much detail and evidence as possible about your circumstances. Include an explanation about why you think you should qualify for an exception. We will contact you if we need further information to support your claim. It would be helpful if you provide a telephone number or email address.

Council Tax Enquiry form

There is help available if you own a long term empty property which you want to bring back in to use. There is also help is you need financial support through empty homes grant and loans. 

Information on Empty homes