Wandsworth Borough Council and Westminster City Council are both planning to introduce new council tax rules from 1st April. They will have a big impact on some property owners in the areas. We want to have a closer look at what will change, the impact, and why the local authorities are changing the rules. Then, if you need expert services like estate management in Wandsworth, you can trust us.
Empty properties
The first thing to change is owners of homes that have been unoccupied and unfurnished for a year or longer will have to pay double council tax. Currently, the rule is homes must be empty for two years or more. Westminster will also have two further rules; properties empty for five years will pay 200% council tax and those vacant for ten years will pay 300%.
London has a big problem with long term vacant homes. In 2024, homelessness charity Crisis had a look at the picture for England. Their data found that the number of properties that were empty for six months or more had risen in every single region. London was one of the worst, with a 73% increase. An astonishing 34,327 homes worth over £20bn were vacant for the long term.
The councils are making the decision to double council tax on properties that have been empty for a while to encourage more owners to bring them back to the market. There is a housing crisis, so it is disappointing for homes to just be vacant. Luckily, there are lots of ways to go about getting people back in properties. For example, there is classic private rentals or guaranteed rent with local councils. We can help with the latter, as well as arranging things like estate management in Wandsworth.
Second homes
Both councils are also targeting people who own properties in the areas that are not their main residence. From April 1st they will have to pay double council tax.
London is a really popular location for second homes. Wandsworth in particular has a growing issue, with the number doubling in just a year. A lot of people have properties in areas close to where they work. They’ll live in them a few days a week, but their main residence is outside the city. A big part of this is the convenience, but the two councils no longer see that as a viable reason.
Wandsworth and Westminster are both cracking down on second homes. However, there will be some exemptions. For example, if someone lives in a home that isn’t their main residence because of the terms of their job, because they are a carer, or if they are in the armed services, the normal council tax rate will apply.
Talk to us about properties and estate management in Wandsworth
Finefair Ltd has been working with investors and landlords for a long time. We commit to ensuring every client gets the perfect services. This includes guaranteed rent, property management, and much more.
A key thing here is our flexibility; we can adapt to any needs, catering for different kind of properties in various parts of London. So, if you want help with estate management in Wandsworth or other kinds of assets elsewhere in the city, speak to us. We can work with you to look at different options and choose the best course of action.
