Telephone Lines: The Telephone lines are currently down, BT are on site trying to fix this issue

BSL Council Services Accessibility

Please be aware that the phonelines are now DOWN

  1. Home
  2. Council Tax
  3. Discounts and exemptions

Changes to Empty Property Discount

The Scottish Government announced in 2012 that Councils would be given new powers to help reduce the number of empty homes. 

From April 2014, West Dunbartonshire Council have agreed to adopt a new policy that is intended to reduce the number of empty properties in our area. 

This policy includes doubling the council tax for long term empty homes, however, a grace period has been introduced to protect new purchasers from the 100% Council Tax levy for long-empty properties. See unoccupied newly purchased property under repair/renovation below.

If you have had a change in your circumstances, please complete the online form and we will update your account details.  We may need to contact you if we require further information.

Unoccupied and unfurnished

  • No charge for up to 6 months from the date the property was last occupied
  • 10% discount after 6 months for up to 12 months
  • Double charge after 12 months

Unoccupied newly purchased property under repair/renovation (where the property has been unoccupied for more than 12 months)

  • This only applies to newly purchased properties, not properties inherited or similar
  • 6 month grace period from double charge
  • Double charge after 6 months

Unoccupied and unfurnished (property on market for sale/let)

  • No charge for up to 6 months from the date the property was last occupied
  • 10% discount after 6 months from the date the property was last occupied until sale or let

Unoccupied but furnished property (long term empty) (property on market for sale/let)

  • 10% discount for as long as property remains unoccupied & up for sale/let

Unoccupied but furnished property (2nd home) – From 1st April 2024

  • Double charge will be applied where the property is not someone’s sole or main residence, is furnished and is occupied for more than 25 days per year

Unoccupied but furnished property (long term empty)

  • 10% discount for 12 months from the date the property becomes unoccupied
  • Double charge after 12 months

Unoccupied and unfurnished (new build property)

  • No charge for up to 6 months from the date the property was first entered on the Council tax valuation list
  • 10% discount after 6 months for up to 12 months from the date the property was first entered on the Council tax valuation list
  • Double charge after 12 months

Unoccupied and undergoing (or has undergone) major repair works or structural alteration- not for sale /let

  • No charge for up to 12 months from the date the property was last occupied
  • Double charge after 12 months

Unoccupied and undergoing (or has undergone) major repair works or structural alteration (property on market for sale/let)

  • No charge for up to 12 months from the date the property was last occupied
  • 10% discount after 12 months