Double council tax for second homes plan approved

The owners of second homes in the Warwick District Council area are to pay twice the amount of council tax from 2027.

Councillors approved the proposal, as a way of encouraging property owners to either sell or lease the houses out for rent.

The government allowed local authorities to impose the additional charge in 2023, but it is the first time it has been imposed on properties in the Warwick District.

Councillors voted to introduce the charge, but only from April 2027, so that owners of second homes have a chance to bring them back into use.

The move to introduce the charge for empty second homes was approved by Warwick District councillors during a meeting of the full council on 25 March.

The definition of a second home is one that is 'substantially furnished but has no resident occupier'.

The authority suggests around 2000 houses would fall under the category of second homes, but as of October 2025, 306 would be eligible for the double payment.

A consultation on the proposal carried out between December 2025 and January 2026 saw more than 500 people respond, with 65% backing the charge.

Councillor Jonathan Chilvers from the Green Party is the portfolio holder for resources.

He said: "We know how important it is for residents to be able to access affordable homes in the communities where they live and work.

"Introducing a second homes premium is one of the tools available to us to help bring more properties back into full-time use, helping to support local businesses and services."

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