Empty property discount / exemption

Staffordshire Moorlands District Council has a strategic responsibility to facilitate access to affordable and decent homes. With demand for affordable housing and house prices rising, it is important to make best use of existing stock. Empty homes can fall into disrepair and cause problems for neighbours and the wider community because they can attract anti-social behaviour. In order to mitigate this, SMDC has a commitment to bring empty homes back into use.

From 1^st April 2024, Staffordshire Moorlands District Council, under the powers provided for in Section 11a Local Government Finance Act 1992, have made the decision to no longer award a three month (100%) unoccupied and substantially unfurnished property discount. A decision has also been made to no longer award a 12 month (50%) uninhabitable property discount for properties which are in need of or undergoing structural alterations or major repairs or renovations.

From 1^st April 2024, Staffordshire Moorlands District Council, under the powers provided for in the Levelling up and Regeneration bill 2023 which amends Section 11b Local Government Finance Act 1992, have made a decision to charge a Long Term Empty Property Premium, of 100%, to all properties which have been unoccupied and substantially unfurnished for 12 months. This means that any property which has been unoccupied and substantially unfurnished for a period of at least 12 months but less than 5 years the charge for the property will be 200%.

Purchase and repair scheme with EPIC housing association

Properties requiring no more than £100,000 -£125,000 overall investment can be considered. Empty property owners can find further information on the North Staffordshire Rent to Buy Scheme website.