Request an empty property exception

You can do this if you think:

  • an exception applies to your property
  • your property should not be classified as a second home
  • the premium charge should not be added to your property

We consider all requests on a case by case basis.

How to request an exception

You'll need to email us and include proof that the property is eligible.

You'll need to include:

  • your Council Tax account number
  • your name
  • your telephone number
  • the property address
  • the exception you're asking for
  • proof of the exception you're asking for
  • any extra information to support your request

Send this to: counciltax@royalgreenwich.gov.uk

Proof we need for an empty property premium exception

Reason for exceptionCriteria for exceptionProof we need
You move into armed forces accommodation as part of your workYour home is, or would be, your main home while serving in the armed forces and is provided because of your service.A letter confirming that the property is owned by the armed forces.
Your empty property is an annexYour home is part of the same property as another home, and someone living in the other home uses it as part of their main residence.

Photographs of the annex in use.

We may also visit and inspect the annex.

Your property is being actively marketed for sale or let at a fair market value for up to 12 months

A 12-month exemption will apply if:

  • the property is for sale or rent
  • the sale or rent has been agreed
A link to the online property listing or contact details for your estate agent.
Probate or letters of administration was granted less than 12 months ago

When you tell us someone has died, the property will be exempt from Council Tax for 6 months.  

You can apply from the point that probate or letters of administration is granted.  

This exception runs at the same time as the exemption, and ends after 12 months.

A copy of the grant of probate or letters of administration.
Your property is uninhabitable for up to 12 months because it's undergoing major work to make it suitable to live inThe Valuation Office Agency (VOA) will assess the property and decide if it meets their criteria.Ask the VOA to remove the property from the Council Tax list (GOV.UK).

Your property is job-related accommodation.

Applies to second homes only.

You may already get a Council Tax discount if you live in job-related accommodation. This will not change.

You'll continue to get the discount under the same rules, and we will not apply the premium charge.

Some households may not meet the definition of job-related accommodation. We may decide that it would still not be appropriate to apply the premium charge.

A copy of your employment contract.

Proof that you pay Council Tax at a second property. This can be a copy of the Council Tax bill.

your property is an occupied caravan pitch or boat mooring.

Applies to second homes only.

You may already get a Council Tax exemption for an unoccupied caravan pitch or boat mooring. This will not change.

You'll continue to get the exemption under the same rules, and we will not apply the premium charge.

Photographs of the caravan or boat mooring showing it's empty.

We may also visit and inspect the pitch or mooring.

Your property has an occupancy or planning restriction which prevents it being occupied for a certain time or at certain times of the year.

Applies to second homes only.

Your home must have either:

  • planning restrictions that clearly state the property cannot be used as a main home. For example, this could apply to a purpose-built holiday home that can only be used as holiday accommodation
  • a planning rule that prevents it from being lived in for at least 28 continuous days each year. In some cases, we may assess a property with this restriction as being your sole or main home. If this happens, the premium will not apply, as it cannot be charged on a main home
A copy of the formal planning condition.