Owners of second homes and long-term empty properties in Cardiff could face paying more council tax under a new proposal that is being considered by the council. If approved, the plans would see the existing premium on long-term empty properties increased to 100% from April 1 this year, and second home owners would be charged an 100% council tax premium from April 1, 2024.
It comes as Cardiff council said its council tax records show there are more than 3,200 second homes or furnished properties that aren’t anyone’s main home in the city. It said along with long-term empty dwellings - which are distinguished by their lack of furniture - these "are having an impact on housing availability".
From April 1, 2017, councils in Wales have been able to charge a premium of up to 100% on top of the standard rate of council tax on second homes and long-term empty properties. From April 1 this year, the regulations will be updated, following a Welsh Government consultation, to allow councils to charge a maximum premium of 300% on top of the standard rate of council tax.
