Rating of empty homes a step closer

22 February 2011

Rating of empty homes a step closer - Wilson

Finance Minister Sammy Wilson has revealed that up to £10million a year could be raised for public services following the introduction of the rating of empty homes on 1 October 2011.

The Minister was speaking as he legislated on the rating of empty homes.

Mr Wilson said: “The rating of empty homes should encourage more people to make better use of these properties and increase the supply of affordable housing.

“In addition, it will address the fact that those who have ownership of empty homes make demands on public services including roads, police, fire services and public health. It is only fair that owners of these properties make their contribution towards public services as well as rate paying households.

“The rating of empty homes could also raise additional money expected to be up to £10million a year.”

A number of the exclusions that already apply to vacant commercial property will be extended to empty homes.

There will also be a number of additional exclusions for empty homes, including a one off time bound exclusion for developers. This will apply where they own new never occupied homes, entered into the valuation list from 1 April 2007 – this provision has been made to protect the building trade which has suffered badly in recent years.

Concluding the Finance Minister said: “In addition, rates will not be charged on empty property where it was the owner’s sole or main residence and they now live in a nursing home, residential care home, hospital or are detained.”