Our answer to Council Tax changes that are costing landlords thousands

Here at Ultralets, we're constantly striving to innovate and provide the best possible service for both our landlords and prospective tenants. That's why we're thrilled to announce the launch of a brand-new feature on our website: the 'coming soon' property filter!

Prospective tenants can now find a dedicated button on our properties search page that allows them to easily filter for all properties that are not quite ready for immediate viewings but will be hitting the market very soon.

Why is this a game-changer?

This new feature addresses a crucial recent development in the property landscape: changes to council tax for vacant properties. As of April 1st, 2024, the "empty homes premium" rules were strengthened by the Levelling-up and Regeneration Act 2023. This means that councils can now charge an additional 100% council tax on properties that have been empty and substantially unfurnished for just one year, down from the previous two years.

Furthermore, from April 1st, 2025, the 100% premium will apply to properties that are unoccupied but substantially furnished from the moment they meet the criteria, without the 12-month grace period.

These changes impose significant financial burdens on landlords from the very moment a property becomes vacant. Traditionally, there might be a short period where a property is prepared for its next tenant, potentially incurring these increased council tax charges.

Our 'coming soon' feature offers a clever solution:

By allowing landlords to market their properties online even before they are fully ready for viewings, we create a vital window of opportunity. This early marketing can significantly reduce the period a property remains fully vacant and un-marketed, thereby helping landlords avoid a sharp increase in their council tax bill.

For landlords, this means:

Reduced Costs: Minimise the financial impact of council tax premiums on empty properties.
Faster Turnarounds: Generate interest and potential leads sooner, leading to quicker re-lets.
Streamlined Process: Get a head start on marketing while final preparations are underway.

And for house hunters, the benefits are equally exciting:

Early Access: Be among the first to know about desirable properties before they officially launch.
Wider Choice: Expand your search options and discover homes that might otherwise be snapped up quickly.
Plan Ahead: Get a sneak peek and start envisioning your next move with more time to prepare.

We understand that finding the ideal tenant requires efficiency and foresight. Our new 'coming soon' feature is a direct response to the evolving market and a testament to our commitment to providing innovative solutions.

If you'd like to learn more about recent changes to council tax rules or would like to find out more about our innovative property management solutions, get in touch with our Lettings Manager, Jake. You can email him or give our office a call.

Posted By

Jake Astill