In Folkestone & Hythe, a long-term empty property is defined as a residential property that has been unoccupied for six months or more. These properties can have an adverse effect on the surrounding area, and the council encourages owners to bring them back into use.
Here’s a summary of the council tax premiums related to long-term empty properties:
| Time Period Empty | Premium Charged |
|---|---|
| 1 to 5 years | 100% premium |
| 5 to 10 years | 200% premium |
| 10 years or more | 300% premium |
If you own a long-term empty property, it's important to know that you will be charged additional council tax on top of the full rate unless the property is brought back into use. If you're looking for support on how to get your property occupied again, you can contact the council for assistance and possibly explore financial options like loans through the No Use Empty scheme.
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