How to Avoid the 100% Council Tax Premium on Second Homes in England – with MyShortLets
What’s Changing in April 2025?
From April 2025, local councils in England will have the authority to apply a 100% council tax premium on furnished second homes that are not used as a primary residence. This new measure—part of the Levelling Up and Regeneration Act 2023—is designed to reduce the number of underused homes in high-demand areas.
In simple terms:
If your second home is sitting empty or not actively let, your council tax bill could double.
How Can You Avoid the Council Tax Premium?
There is a legal and efficient solution: register your second home as a Furnished Holiday Let (FHL) and transition it to the non-domestic business rates list.
To qualify as an FHL, your property must:
- Be available for short-term letting at least 140 days per year, and
- Be actually let to paying guests for a minimum of 70 days per year
If both conditions are met, your property can be classified as a business rather than a residence—removing your council tax liability, and potentially qualifying you for Small Business Rate Relief (often reducing business rates to zero).
Why Choose MyShortLets?
While the requirements may sound straightforward, in practice, managing compliance, bookings, and paperwork can be overwhelming—especially for remote or busy property owners.
At MyShortLets, we specialise in helping second homeowners unlock income, ensure compliance, and avoid costly penalties.
We take care of everything, including:
✅ Ensuring your property is live for 140+ days/year
✅ Managing bookings to hit the 70-night threshold
✅ Handling communication with local councils and the Valuation Office Agency (VOA)
✅ Full guest management: pricing, cleaning, reviews, support
✅ Maximising your rental income across platforms like Airbnb, Booking.com & more
Turn Your Second Home Into a Revenue Stream
Registering your second home as a short-let business doesn’t just save you from tax hikes—it opens the door to reliable, passive income.
Our clients enjoy:
- Professional marketing & listing optimisation
- Dynamic pricing to stay competitive
- 24/7 guest support
- Local expertise and on-the-ground coordination
Many of our hosts generate thousands in additional income each year while avoiding the financial burden of council tax premiums.
Act Now
From the April 2025, if you own a second home, now is the time to plan ahead and protect your investment.
Book your free consultation with MyShortLets today:
👉 https://myshortlets.com/direct-bookings/
📬 Or get in touch directly here: https://myshortlets.com/contact-myshortlets/
