Two Suffolk councils plan to increase taxes on empty and second homes
Babergh and Mid Suffolk councils are considering the move to tackle a shortage of available properties
Last updated 29th Dec 2023
Two Suffolk councils are considering charging people with second homes and holiday lets extra in tax, in a bid to solve a housing shortage.
Babergh and Mid Suffolk Councils say there are around 1,200 homes across both districts which have been empty for a long time, potentially meaning locals are losing out on opprtunities to find a home.
Proposals will be considered by borth councils next month to impose a council tax premium on properties which have been empty and unfurnished for a long period of time, with a levy on second homes also being considered.
It would see the owners of properties left empty for a year or more paying double; properties empty for five years or more seeing their council tax bills treble and owners of properties left empty for 10 years facing quadrupled bills.
Owners of second homes will also see their council tax double from April 2025.
Cabinet member for housing at Babergh District Council, Councillor Jessie Carter said: “It’s unacceptable that houses are standing empty without valid reason."
"Each empty property is a potential home, and we must encourage owners to bring them back into use to help relieve the pressure on existing housing stock.
"We want to put more homes back on the market – and ensure that those who choose to own second homes make a higher contribution to local services at a time when they are under pressure.”
Councillor Richard Winch, cabinet member for housing and property at Mid Suffolk District Council said: “Empty homes blight neighbourhoods and can attract antisocial behaviour and crime."
"This would be a positive step in tackling the shortage of housing which puts pressure on prices and leaves local people priced out of the housing market.”
Some homes will fall under exceptions to the new rules, including homes being actively marketed for sale or rent, caravans and houseboats.