Council Tax premiums for second homes and long-term empty homes in Conwy County - Have your say
Second homes and long-term empty homes
Conwy County Borough Council is carrying out a survey about the level of Council Tax premiums which will apply to second homes and long-term empty properties for 2026/27.
The premium is designed to encourage owners to bring empty properties into use and support the increase of affordable housing for purchase or let in local communities.
At a meeting in October 2024 councillors approved an indicative increase to the level of premium on second homes and long-term empty homes of 200% from 1 April 2026, subject to a review during 2025/26. Any properties that have been empty for 4 years or more would be subject to a 300% premium.
The Council is getting in touch direct with everyone in the County registered as owning a second or empty home to ask them their opinion, and is also asking for the views of people who don’t own these kinds of properties. Anyone can fill in the survey and let the Council know what they think the result of these additional premiums could be on things like the availability of properties, the housing market and the Welsh language.
Councillor Nigel Smith, Cabinet Member for a Sustainable Economy which includes the Revenue and Benefits Service, is urging people to let the Council know their opinion. He said, “There are many reasons why a property might be left empty. And we’re aware that these additional premiums need to be carefully considered.
“We want to encourage owners to bring empty properties back into use to increase the supply of homes in our communities. It’s not about raising income - once an empty home is brought back into use, the extra premium wouldn’t apply. It’s important to remember too, that the additional income generated supports the pressures on the Council’s housing budget.”
The results of the survey and other research, will be taken into account by Councillors later this year when they consider the final decision about what premium to apply.
The consultation closes on 30 July 2025 and is available here: www.conwy.gov.uk/counciltax-premium
Posted on 03/07/2025