Do I Have to Pay Council Tax on an Empty Property in Bournemouth?

What Happens After a Property Has Been Empty for a Year?

This is where the cost can increase significantly.

BCP Council applies an empty homes premium to properties that have been unoccupied and substantially unfurnished for at least 12 months.

The current charges are:

What If My Property Is Empty Between Tenants?

This is particularly relevant to landlords.

A rental property doesn’t become exempt from Council Tax simply because you’re actively looking for a new tenant.

If your tenant leaves and the property is empty while you prepare it for the next tenancy, Council Tax can still be payable.

However, BCP Council’s rules include exceptions to the empty-home premium in certain circumstances, including properties that are being actively marketed for rent. Evidence of the marketing is required, and BCP specifically says this may include listings on sales or letting websites together with the date the property was first marketed.

This distinction is important.

Being empty doesn’t automatically mean you’re charged the premium, but neither should landlords assume that simply saying a property is “available to let” is enough.

If you’re relying on an exception, you’ll need to meet the relevant requirements and provide evidence.

What If I’m Selling My Property?

The same principle applies if you’re selling rather than letting.

An empty property can still be liable for Council Tax while it is being marketed for sale.

However, BCP Council’s rules provide for exceptions to the empty-home premium in certain circumstances, including where a property is being actively marketed for sale. Evidence is required, including information showing when the property was first marketed.

This is worth remembering if you’ve moved out of your property before finding a buyer.

You shouldn’t assume that putting the property on the market automatically means you stop paying Council Tax. The standard Council Tax liability and any applicable premium are separate questions.

If you’re unsure whether your circumstances qualify for an exception, it’s best to check directly with BCP Council rather than assuming.

What If the Property Is Being Renovated?

This is another area where homeowners can become confused.

You might assume that a property undergoing substantial renovation isn’t liable for Council Tax because nobody can currently live there.
That isn’t necessarily the case.

BCP Council states that unoccupied, unfurnished properties undergoing major works do not automatically receive a Council Tax discount.

So if you’ve bought a property in Bournemouth that needs extensive renovation before it can be occupied, you shouldn’t automatically budget for a Council Tax exemption during the works.

There may be specific exceptions depending on the circumstances of the property, so it’s important to establish the position with the council rather than relying on assumptions.

This is particularly relevant when purchasing a property that needs significant refurbishment.

What About an Empty Property That’s Still Furnished?

The rules are different again if the property is substantially furnished.

BCP Council treats certain furnished properties that aren’t anyone’s sole or main residence as second homes.

From 1 April 2025, BCP Council has applied a 100% Council Tax premium to qualifying second homes, meaning the total charge can be 200% of the standard Council Tax amount.

This can be particularly relevant to owners of properties that are furnished but aren’t being used as their main home.

It’s therefore important to understand the distinction between:

• An empty and substantially unfurnished property.
• A furnished property that’s no one’s main residence.
• A property being used as a genuine main residence.
• A property that qualifies for a specific exception.
• The Council Tax treatment can be different in each situation.

What If My Property Is Between Lets?

A furnished rental property sitting empty between tenants can raise a particularly important question.

If the property remains substantially furnished and nobody’s living there, it may fall within the Council’s definition of a second home rather than simply being treated as an empty unfurnished property.

BCP Council specifically states that a furnished property which isn’t someone’s sole or main home, or a property between lets, will not generally receive a Council Tax discount, unless a specific exception applies. This is why landlords shouldn’t automatically assume that a short void period means there is no Council Tax liability.

The precise treatment depends on the circumstances of the property.

What About Holiday Lets?

If you own a holiday let or short-term rental in Bournemouth, the Council Tax position can be different.

Since April 2023, self-catering holiday accommodation can be assessed for Business Rates rather than Council Tax where it meets specific criteria.

The property must have been available to let commercially for short periods for at least 140 days in the previous 12 months and actually let for at least 70 days during that period. The Valuation Office Agency determines whether the property should be assessed for Business Rates or remain on the Council Tax list.

Simply calling a property a holiday let doesn’t automatically move it into Business Rates.

If you think your property qualifies, you need to follow the appropriate process with the Valuation Office Agency.

Does Buying an Empty Property Reset the Clock?

This is an important consideration if you’re purchasing an empty property.

The length of time a property has been empty can matter when determining whether an empty-home premium applies.

In general, the premium is linked to the property’s period of vacancy rather than simply starting again whenever ownership changes.

That means buying a property that has already been empty for a significant period doesn’t necessarily give you a fresh 12-month period before the premium becomes relevant.

If you’re considering purchasing an empty property in Bournemouth, it’s therefore worth establishing its Council Tax history before completing the purchase.

This is another reason why the potential Council Tax cost should form part of your calculations when assessing an investment or refurbishment project.

Are There Exceptions to the Empty Property Premium?

Yes.

The government has introduced specific exceptions, and BCP Council requires evidence where an owner wants an exception to apply.

For example, an exception can apply in certain circumstances where a property is:

• Being actively marketed for sale.
• Being actively marketed for rent.
• Subject to certain circumstances covered by the legislation.
• A type of property specifically excluded from the premium.

BCP Council states that evidence is required when applying for an exception. For properties being marketed, this can include evidence of listings on sales or letting websites and the date the property was first marketed.

This is important because an exception isn’t necessarily automatic.

If you believe your property qualifies, make sure you understand the requirements and keep the relevant evidence.

What Does This Mean for Bournemouth Landlords?

For landlords, Council Tax is one of the costs that needs to be factored into every void period.

A property isn’t generating rent while it’s empty, but you may still have:

• Council Tax.
• Mortgage payments.
• Insurance.
• Utility bills.
• Maintenance costs.
• Gardening or cleaning costs.
• Compliance expenses.
• Potential refurbishment costs.

This is why keeping void periods as short as reasonably possible can have a meaningful impact on the overall profitability of a rental property.

It’s not simply the rent you’re losing.

You’re also potentially continuing to pay the costs associated with owning the property.

How Can Landlords Reduce the Cost of Voids?

The obvious answer is to minimise unnecessary gaps between tenancies.

That doesn’t mean rushing to accept the first tenant who comes along.

Finding the right tenant and carrying out the appropriate checks remains important. But good preparation and effective marketing can help reduce the time a property spends sitting empty.

Before the current tenancy ends, consider: Is the property ready to market?

If decorating, maintenance or compliance work is required, getting organised early can make the transition between tenants much smoother.

Professional photography, strong online marketing, accurate pricing and presenting the property well can also help attract suitable applicants more efficiently.

For landlords who don’t want to manage this process themselves, a professional letting agent can coordinate much of the work from preparing the property for marketing through to arranging viewings and progressing the new tenancy.

What Should You Do If Your Bournemouth Property Is Empty?

If you’ve recently become responsible for an empty property, don’t simply wait for the next Council Tax bill.

Start by establishing:

• When the property became empty.
• Whether it is furnished or substantially unfurnished.
• Who is currently liable for Council Tax.
• Whether an empty-home or second-home premium applies.
• Whether your circumstances qualify for an exception.
• Whether you need to provide evidence to BCP Council.

If the property is being sold or let, keep evidence of the marketing activity and when it began.

If you’re a landlord, also consider how quickly the property could realistically be brought back into use.

The longer a property remains empty, the greater the potential cost.

Is It Worth Leaving a Bournemouth Property Empty?

Sometimes circumstances make an empty property unavoidable.

You may have inherited a property, be carrying out major refurbishment, have moved out before selling or be between tenants.

But if you’re deliberately holding a property empty for an extended period, it’s worth considering the financial consequences.

Council Tax is only one part of the equation.

An empty property can also mean:

• No rental income.
• Ongoing mortgage costs.
• Insurance costs.
• Maintenance and security requirements.
• Risk of deterioration.
• Potentially higher energy or utility costs.
• An increasing Council Tax bill if premiums apply.

For landlords in particular, bringing a property back into the rental market can therefore make financial sense—not simply because it generates rental income, but because it reduces the period during which you’re carrying the costs of an unoccupied property.

Final Thoughts

So, do you have to pay Council Tax on an empty property in Bournemouth? In most cases, yes.

BCP Council currently charges the full Council Tax amount on an unoccupied and substantially unfurnished property for its first 12 months. After that, an empty-home premium can increase the total charge to 200%, with higher charges applying as the period of vacancy extends.

There are exceptions, including circumstances where properties are actively marketed for sale or rent, but these are subject to specific requirements and evidence.

For landlords, the message is particularly straightforward: void periods have a cost.

The sooner a suitable property can be brought back into use, the sooner it can start generating an income again.

If you’re considering letting a property in Bournemouth, have recently inherited an empty property or are wondering whether your current rental could be working harder for you, getting professional advice can help you understand your options.

At Martin & Co Bournemouth, our local team helps landlords prepare properties for the rental market, find suitable tenants and manage the ongoing responsibilities of letting a property.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to pay Council Tax if my Bournemouth property is empty?

Generally, yes. BCP Council states that there is no Council Tax discount simply because a property is unoccupied and unfurnished. A full Council Tax charge applies for the first 12 months, subject to any applicable exemption or exception.

How long can a property be empty before Council Tax doubles?

Under BCP Council’s current rules, an unoccupied and substantially unfurnished property can attract a 100% premium once it has been empty for 12 months. This means the total Council Tax charge can become 200% of the standard amount.

Do I pay Council Tax during a rental void?

Generally, yes. A property does not automatically become exempt from Council Tax when a tenant moves out. The precise liability and any applicable premium depend on the circumstances, including whether the property is furnished and whether an exception applies.

Do I pay Council Tax while selling an empty property?

Yes, Council Tax can remain payable while an empty property is being sold. However, BCP Council provides for certain exceptions to the empty-home premium, including properties being actively marketed for sale, subject to the relevant requirements and evidence.

Does renovating an empty property mean I don’t have to pay Council Tax?

Not automatically. BCP Council states that unoccupied, unfurnished properties undergoing major works do not simply receive a Council Tax discount because they are being renovated. Specific circumstances may qualify for an exception, so it’s important to check directly with the council.

What happens if my empty property is furnished?

A substantially furnished property that isn’t anyone’s sole or main residence may be treated as a second home. BCP Council applies a 100% premium to qualifying second homes, resulting in a total charge of 200% of the standard Council Tax.

Can an empty property being marketed for rent qualify for an exception?

Potentially. BCP Council includes actively marketed properties among the circumstances where an exception to the premium may apply. Evidence of the marketing is required, including the date the property was first marketed.

How can landlords reduce the cost of rental voids?

Reducing unnecessary gaps between tenancies is one of the most effective ways. Preparing the property in advance, pricing it appropriately and marketing it effectively can all help. A professional letting agent can also manage much of the process for landlords.

Thinking About Letting Your Bournemouth Property?

An empty property can quickly become an expensive asset if it isn’t generating an income.

At Martin & Co Bournemouth, we help local landlords prepare their properties for the rental market, market them effectively and manage the tenancy from start to finish.

Whether you’re letting your first property or already have a portfolio, our local team can help you understand the potential rental value of your property and the practicalities of becoming a landlord.

Contact Martin & Co Bournemouth today to discuss your property and arrange a free, no-obligation valuation.