Council tax doubles on Bromley homes empty for a year from April 2027, not two. Around 598 properties are affected, raising an estimated £610,000 a year.
Owners of empty homes in Bromley will pay double council tax after one year instead of two from 1 April 2027. The council’s Executive agreed the change on 28 October.
It affects 598 properties that have stood empty for between one and two years, according to the council’s report. The council expects to keep an extra £610,000 a year.
Who pays what
The premium applies to homes that are unoccupied and substantially unfurnished. On 30 September the council recorded 2,869 empty properties, but only 472 were paying the empty homes premium. Another 189 were paying the second homes premium.
| Time empty | Premium | Homes paying now |
|---|---|---|
| 1 to 2 years | 100% from April 2027 | 0 (598 would be affected) |
| 2 to 5 years | 100% | 342 |
| 5 to 10 years | 200% | 86 |
| Over 10 years | 300% | 44 |
A 100 per cent premium means the bill doubles. Bromley’s council tax bands guide has the current charges.
Most of the affected homes are in the middle bands. Bands C and D account for 313 of the 598.
Where the £610,000 comes from
The report estimates the change could raise £1.1m in extra council tax. It then takes off:
- £330,000, assuming 30 per cent of owners avoid it by moving someone in or getting an exemption
- £160,000, the Greater London Authority’s estimated share
The law has allowed councils to charge after one year since April 2024. The council’s stated aim is to bring empty homes back into use.
Who is exempt
The premium does not apply in some cases, including:
- homes being actively marketed for sale or let, for up to 12 months
- homes needing or undergoing major repairs or structural changes, for up to 12 months
- homes of people living away in job-related armed forces accommodation
- annexes that form part of the main home
- homes awaiting probate, and for 12 months after a grace period of up to six months once probate is granted
A new owner does not escape it automatically. The premium stays until the home becomes someone’s main residence.
Also on the agenda: council tax support
The same meeting was due to consider next year’s Council Tax Support scheme, which helps 7,446 working-age households. Officers recommended no change, with a cost of about £13.3m. The decision record says the item was withdrawn before the meeting and gives no reason.
What it means for you
- If you own a home empty for a year or more, you have until 1 April 2027 before the higher bill starts. The council says it will write to those affected.
- If you are selling or renovating, check whether an exemption applies and ask the council before the date.
- If you are dealing with an estate, the probate protections above should give you time, but they do end.
Sources
- Empty Homes Premium, report FSD26055 and decision record, London Borough of Bromley Executive, 28 October 2026
- Council Tax Support Scheme 2027/28 report and decision record
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