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Families inheriting a deceased relative\u2019s home may have to pay additional Council Tax.(Image: Getty Images\/iStockphoto)<\/p>\nFamilies inheriting a deceased relative\u2019s home may have to pay additional Council Tax.Families inheriting a deceased relative\u2019s home may have to pay additional Council Tax.(Image: Getty Images\/iStockphoto)<\/p>\n
An inheritance disputes lawyer from Lime Solicitors<\/a> has warned bereaved families to be on high alert over unexpected Council Tax charges on inherited properties, particularly the so-called \u2018second home\u2019 premium, which some councils are applying immediately after a death.<\/p>\n Under current rules, most local authorities offer a grace period of up to six months during which Council Tax<\/a> is not payable on a property that has been left empty due to the death of its owner.<\/p>\n However, the process of obtaining probate, selling the property and completing conveyancing often exceeds this timeframe, which can leave families vulnerable to unexpected charges<\/a>.<\/p>\n READ MORE: Council Tax fraud rises as more people falsely claim single person discount to save money<\/a>READ MORE: TV licence fee is \u2018unenforceable\u2019 and could be replaced by sliding payment scale<\/a><\/p>\n The warning comes after one council in England reportedly imposed a second home levy on an estate property, even though it was not used as a second home.<\/p>\n The six-month exemption did not apply in this case because the property was legally in the son\u2019s name at the time of the owner\u2019s death, meaning the council considered it a second home from a technical perspective.<\/p>\n Andrew Wilkinson, head of inheritance disputes at Lime Solicitors, described the decision as \u201cincredibly harsh\u201d.<\/p>\n He said: \u201cIt\u2019s deeply concerning to see councils imposing hefty council tax bills on grieving families who are already navigating the complex probate process. In all my years of practice, this isn\u2019t something I have seen before, and it feels extremely unfair, especially when executors are actively trying to deal with the estate.<\/p>\n \u201cIn most cases, it takes many months, often over a year, to obtain a grant of probate, arrange a sale and complete conveyancing. That means most families are already struggling with delays before they even get the chance to put the property on the market. If councils start piling on charges prematurely, it only adds to the emotional and financial stress.<\/p>\n \u201cFamilies dealing with estate properties should proactively communicate with their local council to explain the situation and timelines. This can help in negotiating any available exemptions or reliefs. Additionally, if a property is expected to remain vacant for an extended period, renting it out might be a viable option to offset council tax liabilities, though this comes with its own set of responsibilities and considerations.\u201d<\/p>\n The warning comes amid a nationwide crackdown on second homes – part of a UK Government-led effort to tackle the housing shortage in popular towns and rural communities.<\/p>\n On April 1, 2025, more than 200 local authorities across England implemented new powers allowing them to levy a 100 per cent Council Tax premium on properties that are furnished but not the owner\u2019s main residence.<\/p>\n The policy, introduced by Michael Gove in 2023, was originally aimed at curbing the \u2018scourge\u2019 of second homes in coastal towns where housing supply is under pressure. However, its rollout is now affecting a far broader range of properties.<\/p>\n Andrew said: \u201cThis policy was designed to free-up housing, not penalise bereaved families. The loss of a loved one is already a challenging time. Families shouldn\u2019t be further burdened by unexpected financial pressures due to administrative oversights or rigid policies.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s imperative councils handle such situations with the sensitivity and understanding they deserve. Probate is complex enough without councils jumping the gun on tax.\u201d<\/p>\n Most councils in Scotland have information on inherited homes after someone dies on their website.<\/p>\n Guidance on the South Lanarkshire council website<\/a> states: \u201cIf a property is unoccupied because the occupier has died, as long as it is unoccupied, and liability for Council Tax falls solely to the estate of that person, it could be exempt from Council Tax.<\/p>\n \u201cIf the property was owned jointly with someone else, is owned by someone else, or is held in a Trust, liability for Council Tax will fall to that owner, or Trust, and this exemption category won\u2019t apply.\u201d<\/p>\n Join the conversation on our Money Saving Scotland Facebook group<\/a> for money-saving tips, the latest State Pension and benefits news, energy bill advice and cost of living updates.<\/p>\n Sign up to our Record Money newsletter and get the top stories sent to your inbox daily from Monday to Friday with a special cost of living edition every Thursday – sign up here<\/a>.<\/p>\n You can also follow us on X<\/strong> (formerly Twitter) @Recordmoney_<\/a> for regular updates throughout the day or get money news alerts on your phone by joining our Daily Record Money WhatsApp community<\/a>.<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/1744655292_621_0_DR-MOney.png\")
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