Second homes in the area of Essex known as Tendring – including popular holiday lets resort Frinton on Sea and the so-called Sunshine Coast – face a premium on their council tax bill.

New legislation allows councils to put a premium on the council tax bill of homes which are occupied “periodically” – often second homes from April 2025.

Tendring council – which is dominated by Conservative and Independent members – has now agreed to introduce the maximum premium of 100 per cent from the 2025/26 financial year – meaning owners of second homes will pay double the council tax on the property.

Councillors also agreed to adopt from next financial year – 2024/25 – the maximum 100 per cent premium on homes empty for one year – another change introduced by new legislation, which previously meant homes had to be empty for two years before a premium could be applied.

Council leader Mark Stephenson says: 

“Putting additional charges on empty homes encourages property owners to bring these buildings back into use, helping to tackle the housing need we face in Tendring and prevent sites falling derelict and becoming eyesores.

“Meanwhile premiums on second homes mean those who visit the Essex Sunshine Coast for only part of the year can support our local services year-round – and again encourages owners who do not use them to free up the property for local residents; perhaps particularly young people who may feel forced to leave the district.

“…Council tax is hugely important as an income for us, allowing us to deliver services to our residents – this year at an average cost of just 52p per day for households – but it is important this is tempered with support for those who are struggling financially.”

Empty homes face a 100 per cent premium for the first five years they are vacant, after which the premium doubles until 10 years, and then becomes 300 per cent for longer periods.