Second home numbers fall after council increased charges
There's now 600 fewer second homes in East Devon than three years ago
The number of second homes in East Devon has fallen by a fifth in three years.
The council says it follows the decision to raise taxes on them last April. Extra charges were also introduced for properties which remain empty long-term.
Councillor Dan Ledger, East Devon District Council's Portfolio Holder for Sustainable Homes and Communities, said: "Access to affordable housing remains one of the biggest challenges facing communities across East Devon, so it's encouraging to see evidence that this policy is helping to bring more properties back into everyday use.
“I’m particularly pleased that the majority of properties coming back to the market are those which are more likely to be affordable for local and families, first-time buyers and working households.
"One example highlighted in the review is a former council house that had been used as a second home for many years. After the premium was introduced, the property was sold and purchased by a local first-time buyer.
“Seeing homes return to permanent occupation and helping local people onto the housing ladder is exactly the kind of outcome we hoped this policy would help achieve."
The council introduced a 100% council tax premium on second homes in April 2025 following changes in national legislation. Premiums also apply to homes that have been empty for extended periods, including 100% for those empty between one and five years, 200% for five to ten years, and 300% for more than ten years.
The council introduced a 100% council tax premium on second homes in April 2025 following changes in national legislation.
Premiums also apply to homes that have been empty for extended periods, including 100% for those empty between one and five years, 200% for five to ten years, and 300% for more than ten years.
Councillor Sam Hawkins, East Devon District Council's Portfolio Holder for Finance, said: “While council tax premiums are not a solution on their own, they are an important part of our work to address housing pressures and make sure more homes are available for local people across East Devon.”
More than £5 million was generated from second home premiums and almost £700,000 from long-term empty home premiums in 2025/26.