Introduction

Any property you own or rent is classed as a second home if both of these apply:

• it is substantially furnished, so it can be lived in comfortably, and
• it is usually unoccupied and not used as your main home.

From April 2025, if your property is a second home, your council tax bill may increase by 100%. This is known as the second home premium.

What you must pay

What you pay will depend on how your property is used. Most people with a second home will pay the council tax normal rate plus 100%. This means your council tax bill will double.

When the extra charge will not apply

You will not pay the extra charge if:

• your second home qualifies for an exception to the additional charge.
• your second home meets the criteria for an unoccupied property exemption.
• you rent your property commercially, in which case you may be charged business rates instead of council tax. You can read more about self-catering and holiday let accommodation on the GOV.UK website.

Your council tax bill

The amount you will need to pay will be shown on your council tax bill.

If you have signed up for paperless billing, we'll email you when your next bill is issued. You can then sign into your online council tax account to view it.

If you receive a paper bill, this will be sent to the contact address you have given us.