Empty homes premium in Christchurch and Poole Bournemouth
Christchurch and Poole Bournemouth charged an empty homes premium at October 2025 on 1,309 long-term empty homes. Premium rates recorded by MHCLG:
| Empty for | Premium |
|---|---|
| 1–2 years | 100% |
| 2–5 years | 100% |
| 5–10 years | 200% |
| 10 years + | 300% |
Holiday lets on business rates in Christchurch and Poole Bournemouth
The 2026 business rates list has 793 self-catering holiday lets in Christchurch and Poole Bournemouth, with a median rateable value of £3,900; 98% have a rateable value of £12,000 or less. A holiday let pays business rates instead of council tax if it was available to let for at least 140 nights and actually let for at least 70 nights in the last 12 months.
Exceptions you can apply for
The premium should not apply if the home falls in a national exception class, for example: an annexe (Class F), actively marketed for sale or let (Classes G and H, up to 12 months), recently granted probate (Class I, up to 12 months), a job-related home (Class J), or a seasonal home that planning rules stop being used as a main home (Class L). Apply to Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council with evidence. All exception classes and rules.
If the property is let to a tenant as their main home, it is not a second home. For landlord duties in Christchurch and Poole Bournemouth, see licensing in Christchurch and Poole Bournemouth and the landlord database (your region: South West, register by 14 November 2027).