200% Council Tax on long-term empty properties in Haringey

From 1 st April 2024, Haringey Council will be charging 200% council tax on long-term empty properties.

Owners of homes that have stood empty for 12 months, rather than the previous period of 24 months, will now be charged 200% council tax by Haringey Council.

This is to encourage the owners of these properties to bring them back into habitable use.

The newly introduced charge will be taking effect from 1^st April 2024 and comes alongside additional plans for a new double council tax bill on fully furnished second homes and holiday lets for the periods they are left empty, from 1^st April 2025.

In London alone, it has been estimated that there are at least 34,000 long-term empty properties, with more than 1,000 of these currently in the borough of Haringey.

Councillor Dana Carlin, Cabinet Member for Finance and Local Investment, said: “We are determined to turn Haringey’s empty dwellings into new homes.

“Londoners are in the grip of a housing crisis, and bringing unoccupied homes into use is part of the solution.

“Across the capital there are more than 34,000 long-term empty homes – that is over half the number of London households that are currently homeless and living in temporary accommodation.”

She adds: “When affordable and good quality homes are in such short supply, empty properties – whether it is a short-term holiday let, a second home, or a home left empty – drives up the cost of renting locally.

“We believe it’s fair that those who can afford to keep their properties unoccupied for long periods of time should either contribute more to preventing homelessness or explore more socially responsible ways for their properties to provide them income.”

According to base calculations on council tax in the borough, there are estimated to be 1,028 properties currently in Haringey, which have been empty for between 12 months and 5 years. The application of this new premium level tax, is anticipated to raise an additional £900,000 revenue per annum for the council.

On top of this, there are an additional 1,067 properties registered as fully-furnished second homes in the borough. Of this total, 479 have been without a resident for more than a year, whilst 588 for less than 12 months.

When a property has been kept empty and unfurnished for 2 years or more, you are liable to pay a premium as follows:-

For a property that has been empty for between 2 to 4 years:- 200% of the full Council Tax charge is payable.
For a property that has been left empty for 5 to 9 years:- 300% of the full Council Tax charge is payable.
Where a property has been left empty for 10 years or over:- 400% of the full Council Tax charge is payable.

If you’re interested in letting your property with us, please call your local David Andrew Office for a FREE market appraisal and to discuss any Property Management requirements. Archway: 020-7619-3750, Finsbury Park: 020-7281-2000, Highbury: 020-7354-9111, or email info@davidandrew.co.uk