Landlord Products / Services
Why should I care which council tax band I’m in?
Council tax can ultimately play part in a decisive factor in whether someone is going to buy a property or rent a property. If the council tax seems to be financially unsuitable, it can break a deal. Consequently, it’s important to know which council tax band a property is in and know how much it will cost.
Council tax is typically paid by homeowners’ and renters’ over 18 that are responsible for the utility bills, although it is possible to qualify for an exemption or partial discount (explained further down).
Council tax banding
Usually the council tax banding is determined by the size and value of the property – it’s banded by a letter, from A to H. A being the least expensive, and H being the most expensive.
How to find out which council tax band your home is in
The band of every house in England, Wales & Scotland is public info via the following websites:
- In England and Wales use the Valuation Office Agency (VOA)
- In Scotland use the Scottish Assessors Association (SAA)
- Contact your local council, they will be able to tell you.
- You could ask your neighbours’ what tax band they are in (assuming your neighbour’s house is similar to yours in terms of size).
Know of a better way to find out the band? Let me know!
Council tax discounts & exemptions
According to the Gov website, you can qualify for a council tax discount in the following cases:
- 25% discount if you live on your own
- 25% discount if no-one else in your home counts as an adult (i.e. you’re the only *adult)
- 50% discount if no-one living in your home, including yourself, counts as an *adult
You can qualify for total exemption from paying any Council Tax if everyone in your home, including yourself, is a full-time student.
*The following people are not counted as adults for Council Tax:
- children under 18
- people on some apprenticeships
- 18 and 19-year-olds in full-time education
- full-time college and university students
- young people under 25 who get funding from the Skills Funding Agency or Young People’s Learning Agency
- student nurses
- foreign language assistants registered with the British Council
- people with a severe mental impairment
- live-in carers who look after someone who is not their partner, spouse, or child under 18
- diplomats
Disclaimer: I'm just a landlord blogger; I'm 100% not qualified to give legal or financial advice. I'm a doofus. Any information I share is my unqualified opinion, and should never be construed as professional legal or financial advice. You should definitely get advice from a qualified professional for any legal or financial matters. For more information, please read my full disclaimer.
I am moving to a property and wondered what the council tax would be! The address is 33 Weighbridge Way, Raunds, Northamptonshire NN9 6TJ. It is a new build so I am finding it hard to trace what the cost will be? Any help please? It may be that the property will be occupied by myself and my children under 16?