When planning a conservatory project, the overall cost is likely going to be one of the biggest considerations. However, the question of whether a conservatory will increase your council tax is often overlooked! 

So, we here at West Midlands Double Glazing, the finest conservatory company in the region, thought we’d create a handy guide for those looking for up to date information on the topic. We will answer all below…

Will The Installation of A New Conservatory Affect Council Tax?

Fortunately, in the vast majority of instances, your council tax should not increase if you install a new conservatory in your home. 

The letter of the law currently states that any alterations or extensions to a property, including the installation of a conservatory, won’t affect the council tax valuation band until the property is sold. 

Therefore, as long as you (the property owner) who have made the alterations to the property continue to live within it, you won’t have to worry about any cost increases. There will be no revaluation conducted, so no increase in council tax. 

Great news for homeowners! However, there are some exceptions. 

Which Conservatory Renovations Will Increase Your Council Tax? 

If the additions to your home involve creating another living quarter or self-contained annex, then the addition of a conservatory to your property may increase your council tax. 

Conservatories are rarely used as living quarters or annexes, which is why they don’t often result in any council tax increases. However, if you are one of the rare few who plan on conducting these types of home improvements, then the increase of council tax is something worth considering before going ahead with any renovations. 

It’s also worth stating that laws can and do change. Yet, at this current point in time, it looks unlikely that theses particular legalities will change in the foreseeable future. 

Do You Have To Pay For Council Tax During Your Conservatory Installation?

In most cases, yes. Only if a property is uninhabitable due to the renovations that are being made or if the works require structural changes is when homeowners will be exempt from paying council tax for the length of the project. 

In the case of conservatory installations, this is rarely ever the case.

There are also some works which would warrant a council tax reduction or discount. They include: 

• the repair of roof structures or roof foundations
• the rebuilding of external walls or chimney stacks
• the replacement of floors
• the removal of internal walls (not partitions)

There may be some cases where adding a conservatory to your home may warrant a discount, but again…they are rare. 

How To Apply For A Council Tax Discount If Eligible?

In order to receive a council tax discount if you meet the eligibility criteria, you must inform your local council prior to the commencement of any works done on your property. If you try to make a claim after the renovations have been completed, then substantial evidence will be necessary to be considered for any discount. 

Here is the process once you make an application…

1. Your local council will contact you (the resident) and send out a representative to survey your premises.
2. If the representative concludes that the works do warrant a discount, the reduction in council tax will remain applicable for the entire year. 
3. Once the property becomes inhabited, residents responsible for council tax payments must inform their local council within 21 days. 
4. If the property remains unfurnished/uninhabited for less than two years, a full council tax bill becomes applicable. If the property remains unfurnished/uninhabited for more than 2 years, residents will be liable to pay a premium called “empty house premium” which is an additional charge over and above the full amount of their council tax bill.

What Types of Renovations Do Affect Your Council Tax? 

Certain renovations will result in a revaluation of properties and the reassignment of council tax bands by the local council. Here are the scenarios which may cause a change in council tax band…

• A part of your property is demolished and not rebuilt
• The property is altered to sub-divide the abode into self-contained units (e.g. a single unit with an annexe). Each unit will be considered under a separate band
• A single property is reconstructed into self-contained flats
• Flats are converted into a single property
• Residents start or stop working from home
• Changes were made to a property by the previous owner
• Significant changes are being made to the local area
• The council tax band was changed for a property with similar features within the same area

Final Thoughts On Conservatories And Council Tax 

General speaking, the installation of a new conservatory will not cause an increase in your council tax. Any revaluation won’t come into effect unless the property is about to be sold. Therefore, in the overwhelming majority of cases, you won’t have to worry about cost increases as long as you continue to live in your property! 

We hope that you found this information useful and that it helps you in your quest for comprehensive conservatory intel, before embarking on your own installation project. 

Furthermore, when you are ready to get started on attaining your new conservatory and if you happen to live in the West Midlands…why not get in touch with us? 

West Midlands Double Glazing is the leading conservatory company in the Birmingham region and surrounding areas. We have decades of experience in bringing out customers’ conservatory dreams into reality. 

We can construct conservatories of all styles and sizes, and are one of the only companies in the region to offer flexible 0% finance options on any of our renovations. Spread the cost of your dream conservatory in small and convenient monthly payments, instead of having to deal with a large sum up front! 

If you need any advice whatsoever or would like to book yourself in for a FREE quote and consultation, get in touch with us today by calling 0121 532 0784 or filling out a contact form on here on our website!