Second homes and vacant properties in South Cambridgeshire face doubled council tax starting 2026 to address housing shortage.
This begins in South Cambridgeshire in 2026. They want owners to sell or rent these places. This aims to help with the housing shortage.
The council thinks there are 2,640 empty homes. An estimated 360 properties are seen as second homes. Bringing these houses back helps everyone, they feel. It makes communities stronger and more vibrant.
The council brought about 60 homes back over two years. They asked owners to sell or rent their empty houses. 28 vacant properties were brought back recently, and they expect a similar number this year.
You might save money on renovations. The council gives info to access lower VAT. Normally, home improvements have 20% VAT, but a 5% VAT rate exists for homes empty over two years.
Contact the council’s Empty Homes Officer for help. They provide papers proving the house was empty. One owner saved money on a bungalow in Hardwick, and it became a family home after improvements.
The council issued warnings for overgrown homes. They then served legal notices to those ignoring warnings. They helped two owners sell homes empty since 2004 and 2008. These homes went to auction.
A builder bought one home and plans to make it a family home. A carpenter bought the other house and will use his skill to fix and live there.