If a mortgage lender takes possession of an unoccupied property, it's exempt from Council Tax.

If the property is occupied when the mortgage lender takes possession, no exemption will apply until it becomes empty.

The exemption will last until someone moves in or the property is sold.

You'll need to apply for the exemption. You will not get it automatically.

You must pay Council Tax while you wait for us to decide if you're eligible for a discount. If you do not pay, we'll start the Council Tax recovery process.

Who can apply

A representative from the mortgage lender or the owner can apply.

What you need to apply

You'll need to fill in and send us the application form with proof that you're eligible for the exemption. You'll need to tell us:

  • the full address of the property
  • the names on the mortgage
  • contact details for those named on the mortgage
  • contact details for a representative from the mortgage lender dealing with the repossession

Proof we need

We need:

  • a copy of the repossession document
  • confirmation that the property is actively on the open sales market - this can be a link to the property listing

We may contact the mortgage lender or those named on the mortgage to confirm that the property is still empty.

Apply

Mortgage lender in possession Council Tax exemption application form
PDF ‐ 26.73 KB

Send your application by post or email to:

Royal Borough of Greenwich
Revenues Service
The Woolwich Centre
35 Wellington Street
London SE18 6HQ

Email: counciltax@royalgreenwich.gov.uk

What happens next

It can take up to 21 days for us to process your application and decide if you're eligible.

We may ask you for more proof.

If you're eligible for the exemption, we'll send you an updated bill.

You must tell us within 21 days about any change in your circumstances that may affect your entitlement to a discount or exemption. If you do not tell us, you could get a £70 fixed penalty.

If we decide you're not eligible, you can appeal our decision.

If the property is sold or becomes occupied

The mortgage lender must either:

  • tell us the names and contact details of the new owners
  • confirm that the property has been returned to those named on the mortgage agreement