Empty property and second home council tax charges
Norwich City Council does not offer a discount for empty properties.
Instead, extra charges apply if a property is:
- empty and unfurnished (long-term empty premium)
- empty and furnished (second home premium).
Long-term empty premium
If your property is unfurnished and unoccupied, you’ll pay extra on top of your normal Council Tax:
- 100% extra after 12 months
- 200% extra after 5 years
- 300% extra after 10 years
Second home premium
From 1 April 2025, if your property is furnished but no one lives there, you’ll be charged a 100% premium immediately.
Are you eligible for an exception?
You may be exempt from the premium if:
For both long-term empty and second homes:
- you live elsewhere in armed forces accommodation
- the property is an annexe to a main home
- it’s for sale or rent (up to 12 months)
- probate has been granted recently (up to 12 months).
Second homes only:
- you live elsewhere in a job-related home
- it’s a caravan pitch or boat mooring
- it’s a seasonal home with restrictions on year-round use.
Claim exception from the second home premium
Long-term empty only:
- the property needs or is undergoing major repairs or structural work (up to 12 months).
Claim exception from the long-term empty property premium
View our full premium policy
