Public holiday - Monday 25th September
We will be closed on Monday 25th September for the public holiday
Council tax - empty properties
Details and application forms regarding unoccupied or 2nd homes
Council tax enquiries
- Phone us - 01546 605511
- Email us - ctax1@argyll-bute.gov.uk
- Visit us - At your local customer service point
The information you supply on these forms will be used for the purpose for which you have provided it, and appropriate measures are in place to protect your personal data. A full privacy notice, which provides information about your rights under current data protection legislation and details about what will happen to your personal data can be found here:
Double Council Tax charge for long term unoccupied properties starting 1 April 2014
If your property is lived in for at least 25 days in the last 12 months, then it is classed as a second home for council tax purposes. If it is used for less than 25 days in any rolling 12 month period, then it is regarded as an unoccupied property.
With effect from 1 April 2014, properties that have been unoccupied for a period of two years or more will not be entitled to any discount of council tax and instead will be subject to an increase to their council tax charge by 100%. Properties unoccupied for less than two years but more than one year will also be subject to the double council tax unless they are being actively marketed for sale or let at appropriate conditions.
Application form - Council Tax discount - Property marketed for sale
These changes do not apply to purpose built holiday homes incapable of habitation throughout the year or job-related properties.
With effect from 1 April 2015, properties that have been unoccupied for a period of two years or more will not be entitled to any discount of council tax and instead will be subject to an increase to their council tax charge by 100%. Properties unoccupied for less than two years but more than one year will also be subject to the double council tax unless they are undergoing major repairs. This will only apply whilst these works are being actively carried out and provided that building warrants and planning permission where necessary have been obtained and there is a schedule of works. Also, if you have recently purchased a property which has been unoccupied for a considerable period of time prior to your purchase and you are intending carrying out major repairs to the property, you will be eligible for a 50% discount for 6 months from date of purchase. After the 50% discount has expired, a 10% discount may be applicable for a further 6 months if the property is still undergoing repair. An additional 12 months 10% discount is available to new owners where the Planning and Building Control process has taken a significant period of time and there is clear evidence that building works have started.
Application forms
These changes were agreed at the council meeting of 8 August 2013 using the new powers introduced under The Council Tax (Variation for Unoccupied Dwellings) (Scotland) Regulations 2013 (SSI 2013/45). These changes are being made to provide an incentive to bring empty properties back into use. If this applies to you, the council’s empty homes officer can provide a range of help to you.