England has seen a rise in underused housing, from long‑term empty properties to homes that sit empty across the year. According to Action on Empty Homes, there are over 300,000 long-term empty homes in England. However, this does not include second homes. The Government’s English Housing Survey for 2021-22, reports that households in England owned approximately 809,000 second homes. For some owners, a second home can be a summer home, a financial investment or as a place to stay while working away from their main residence. Although second homes are not necessarily considered empty properties, they can remain unoccupied for significant periods of the year. This can reduce the availability of housing in areas where demand is already high.
Understanding the difference between second homes and empty properties
A long‑term empty home is a property that has been unoccupied and unfurnished for more than six months. These homes are often easy to spot because they may have broken windows, overgrown gardens or visible signs of deterioration.
A second home is a furnished property that you own in addition to your main residence. This could be a countryside cottage, a seaside home or a city apartment. During holiday periods, people may spend more time in their second homes. Since these properties aren’t always occupied between visits, neighbours or the local council sometimes assume they’re empty homes.
What is the council charging second homeowners?
Second homeowners across the UK are facing much higher council tax bills. Since April 2025, councils can use new powers to charge a tax premium of up to 100% additional council tax on second homes in their area and decide at what rate. Around 250 councils have already applied this premium, with more joining each year. If you have an enquiry about tax premiums on second homes, contact your local authority.
What are the premium charges on empty properties?
Councils can apply financial pressure on empty property owners with empty homes premium tax. If property owners fail to act, this can increase the premium charge.
- A property empty between one to five years can face a 100% premium.
- If a property has been empty between five to ten years, the premium rises to 200%.
- If the property has been empty for over ten years, the council can charge a 300% premium.
Why are the council applying tax premiums?
Councils apply tax premiums on second homes and long‑term empty properties to discourage homes from being left unused. Some residents of areas with a high number of second homes argue that they reduce the available housing stock and can weaken local communities.
Government data shows that around 1.3 million households are currently on waiting lists for social housing, highlighting the pressure on local authorities to make better use of existing homes. These premiums are designed to create financial pressure for owners to sell, let, or occupy their properties so that they can be used.
Final thoughts
The growing number of second homes and empty properties is affecting communities and reducing available housing. While building more homes is part of the solution, making better use of the properties that already exist can be more effective.
Have you spotted an empty or neglected property? We specialise in tracing the owners or next of kin of empty properties. Where an owner has passed away, we can trace the beneficiaries of their estate. Blanchards then work with them directly to help bring the property back into use. Report an empty property today!
