Edinburgh Council Tax: Shocking Hikes for Empty Homes & Second Properties

0:00Council tax bills are hitting mailboxes in Edinburgh, with a 4% rise that local conservative counselors helped cap. But owners of long-term empty properties and second homes face a much bigger hit, paying up to 4 times the standard rate. That could mean bills as high as 16,000 pounds, or around 6,500 pounds, even for an average bandee property. These premiums come from recent council decisions pushed by liberal Democrats and Greens. City homes number just 2,500 in the city, less than 1% of the total 262,000 properties, which is. Below Scotland's average, second homes total only 1,400. Shocked property owners are reaching out to counselors over the surprise costs. Many see these homes as symbols of wealth hoarding homes from those in need, but the reality includes heritage properties under slow refurbishment or places tied up after bereavements. Recent revelations show some members of the Scottish Parliament own second homes in Edinburgh

1:00for work reasons, with taxpayers covering their council, tax premiums. Others belong to locals working away who plan to return, or families needing spots for caregiving visits. Originally, council tax offered discounts for empty and second homes since they used fewer services. This new 4x hike aims to tackle 9,000 homeless households, but may instead create financial strain for owners without boosting housing. Supply much.