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Second homes, annexes and Council Tax

Council Tax rules are different for second homes and self‑contained annexes. Whether you receive a discount, pay full Council Tax, or qualify for an exemption depends on how the property is used. We will explain how Council Tax is worked out and what you need to tell us.

What is classed as a second home?

For Council Tax purposes, a second home is a property that is:

  • furnished, and
  • not used as anyone’s main home

Second homes are often holiday homes or properties kept for occasional use.

Council Tax charges for second homes

From 1 April 2026 a premium will be charged for all second homes. This will increase your Council Tax by 100% (double the charge). There are some circumstances when we will not charge the extra premium.

  • Properties where probate has recently been granted - After probate the property can be exempt for up to six months. At the expiry of the exemption the property will have an exception from the second home premium for a further 12 months.
  • Properties being actively marketed for sale or let - A 12-month exception to the second home premium applies to properties that are actively marketed for sale or let. The exception would run from when the exception first applies until the end of the exception period or until the property is no longer actively marketed, sold, or let (whichever is sooner). 
  • Annexes being used as part of the main home - An exception to the second homes premium for annexes which form part of a single property which includes at least one other property. The exception will not apply to annexes where they are not being used as part of the main residence.  
  • Job related property - The second homes premium does not apply to your second home where your employer requires you to live at a specific address. This exception will not apply to cases where someone chooses to have an additional property to be closer to work while having a family home elsewhere or where an individual is posted to a new location but maintain their previous address. 
  • Armed forces accommodation - The second homes premium does not apply to your second home where you have been provided with armed forces accommodation.
  • Occupied caravan pitches and boat moorings - A pitch occupied by a caravan and a mooring occupied by a boat are an exception to the second homes premium. 
  • Seasonal homes where year-round or permanent occupation is prohibited or has been specified use - Properties that have planning restrictions or other conditions on occupation and use in place which prevent year-round occupation, are an exception to the second homes premium.

Discounts are not usually available.

Some second homes may previously have received a discount, but these have largely been removed under national legislation.

What is classed as an annexe?

An annexe is a self‑contained part of a property that has its own facilities, such as:

  • a kitchen or cooking area
  • a bathroom or toilet
  • living and sleeping space

Annexes can be attached to, or separate from, the main property.

Council Tax for annexes

The Council Tax charge for an annexe depends on how it is used.

Annexes used by family members

If the annexe is occupied by a family member of the main household, it may qualify for a Council Tax discount or exemption.

For example, this may apply where an annexe is used by an elderly or disabled relative.

Unoccupied annexes

An unoccupied annexe may qualify for a 50% Council Tax reduction if it:

  • is part of a single property, and
  • cannot be let separately without planning consent

Each case is assessed individually.

When full Council Tax applies

You will usually have to pay full Council Tax if the:

  • annexe is occupied by someone who is not a family member
  • annexe is let out separately
  • property is no longer part of the main residence

What you need to do

You must tell us if:

  • a property becomes a second home
  • an annexe starts or stops being occupied
  • the use of the property changes

This ensures the correct Council Tax charge is applied.

How to tell us about a change

You can report a change to a second home or annexe using our change of circumstances form.

You will need:

  • your Council Tax account number
  • details of how the property is used
  • the date the change happened

Report a change in circumstances

Need advice?

If you’re unsure how your property should be charged, contact the Council Tax team before making changes and we can help you understand your position.