Our property has been empty for more than five years, now we are facing a bill of £725 a month We have bought a derelict cottage that needs renovation to make it habitable. As it has been empty for more than five years, we are being charged an extra 200% per cent in council tax. This means we’re expected to pay £725 a month until we can move in. I feel that we are being penalised for the actions of the previous owner. MB, Penzance You are paying the price for a nationwide scheme to increase the supply of available homes by deterring owners from leaving properties empty for long periods. While some local authorities offer a discount on unoccupied properties, others charge owners a 50% tax premium on properties that have been empty for two years or more, rising to 300% for those empty longer than 10 years. Continue reading...