Is Council Tax Higher For Properties With An Agricultural Tie?

This blog post will help in answering the question of whether or not council tax is higher for properties with an Agricultural Tie or an Agricultural Occupancy Condition. We will also explore how council tax rates can be reduced or an Agricultural Tie removed if you intend to sell the property.

Is Council Tax Higher For Properties With An Agricultural Tie?

Yes, council tax is generally higher for properties with an agricultural tie. One of the reasons for this could be that the property was incorrectly valued when properties were assessed for council tax payments in 1991. This incorrect valuation of property can lead to a higher council tax being charged.

Council tax is a levy that is placed on a property by the local council. The amount of council tax payable is determined by a number of factors, one of which is whether the property has an agricultural tie.

Properties with an agricultural tie are typically farmland or farm bungalows. In order to qualify for this type of occupancy, the property must have planning permission for agricultural use and the occupier must be undertaking agricultural activities on the land.

Mortgage lenders typically require that properties with an agricultural tie are only occupied by farmers or people with a genuine interest in farming. This is to ensure that the property is used for its intended purpose and to protect the value of the property.

In some cases, councils will typically charge a higher rate of council tax for properties with an agricultural tie as these properties often have a lower rate of occupancy and are used for commercial purposes.

However, if you think that you are being incorrectly charged with a higher council tax rate, you should get in touch with the council authorities with a request to review your property’s valuation. In some cases, residents have been known to receive a lump sum amount of overpaid council tax due to incorrect valuation of their property.

How Can I Reduce My Council Tax Bill On A Property With An Agricultural Tie?

There are a number of ways in which you can reduce your council tax bill. One option is to apply for an exemption from council tax. This exemption can be granted if the property is unoccupied or if it is occupied by a student.

Another option is to apply for a discount on your council tax bill. This discount can be granted if the property is empty or if it is occupied by a single person.

Finally, you may be able to apply for a reduction in your council tax bill if you are on a low income. This reduction is typically awarded if your annual income is less than £16,000.

If you think that your property has been valued incorrectly and you need a re-assessment of its value and the assigned council tax band, you should write to your local council office for a revaluation of your property. 

Can You Get Agricultural Tie Removed From A Property?

Yes, there are ways through which you can get an Agricultural Tie removed from your property. Agricultural Ties tend to reduce the value of properties by 20 to 30% due to which their owners are inclined to remove the Agricultural Tie associated with it especially if they intend to sell the property. 

If you wish to have the Agricultural Tie removed from your property, you can request your local council office. Your case may be stronger if you are able to provide evidence of the following:

• the property doesn’t fulfil the original purpose due to which the Agricultural Tie was assigned in the first place
• the property was placed in the open market for at least 6 months and has not been able to interest a buyer

If the occupancy condition has not been met for at least 10 years, you can apply for a Certificate of Lawful Existing Use or Development to have the Agricultural Tie removed. 

If you are not sure about how to proceed you can seek the advice of a planning consultant such as Savills UK | Rural Planning.

Conclusion:

The above discussion concludes that even though the market value of properties with an Agricultural Tie may be comparatively lower than others, the council tax rate is generally higher; mainly due to the nature of the use of the property or perhaps due to an incorrect valuation that leads to a higher band being assigned to it.

References:

Check council tax band if the home has an agricultural tie – Farmers Weekly

Savills Blog | Adding value and flexibility by lifting agricultural ties