From April 1, Richmond Council in south-west London will introduce a 100% council tax premium on long-term empty and second homes. The move aims to tackle housing supply pressures by encouraging property owners to make their homes available for residents.

Under the new policy, homes left empty and unfurnished for more than one year will be subject to the doubled council tax, instead of the previous two years. Properties considered second homes—furnished residences that aren’t someone’s main residence—will also face the 100% premium.

Currently, properties that have been empty and unfurnished for over five years already pay a 200% premium, while those unoccupied for over 10 years face a 300% premium. The council has no current premium on second homes.

Richmond Council is conducting a consultation to gather residents’ opinions on potential exceptions before finalizing the new policies. The government granted local councils discretionary powers to introduce additional premiums on empty and second homes in 2023.

Council officials argue that empty and second homes contribute to housing supply pressures and reduce the desirability of some areas, while second homes can limit the availability of permanent housing in communities already facing housing shortages.