Empty and unfurnished properties

Since April 2019, there have been changes to council tax charges for long-term empty properties. North Norfolk District Council’s elected members voted to use the discretionary powers granted under Sections 11A and B of the Local Government Finance Act 1992. They agreed to charge a council tax premium to all empty and unfurnished properties.

Full council tax is charged to empty properties that are unoccupied and unfurnished. For those that have been continuously empty for more than two years since 1 April 2019 and one year since 1 April 2024 (irrespective of ownership), a premium is charged, in line with the table below.

Time property has been empty Additional charge from April 2019 Additional charge from April 2020 Additional charge from April 2021 Additional charge from April 2024
Empty for 1 year or more 0 0 0 100%
Between 2 and 5 years 100% 100% 100% 100%
Between 5 and 10 years 100% 200% 200% 200%
Over 10 years 100% 200% 300% 300%

If the property is derelict  

The Valuation Office Agency may remove it from the valuation list, meaning Council Tax is no longer payable. Visit the Valuation Office website for further details.

Bringing empty properties back into use

We offer a wide range of assistance to owners of suitable empty properties to help bring them back into use. For advice, please email our Council Tax team at ctax@north-norfolk.gov.uk

Second homes

Since 1 April 2017, no council tax discount has been granted to second home properties, meaning furnished but no one’s main address. 

With effect from 1 April 2025, North Norfolk District Council elected members have voted to use its discretionary powers granted under Section 11C and 11D of the Local Government Finance Act 1992 to charge an additional 100% Council Tax premium to second home furnished properties subject to legislation.