When buying a new home with Beau Property, it is important to understand how council tax applies to your property. This guide explains what council tax is, how it is calculated, and what to expect when moving into your new home.
Who Pays Council Tax?
If you are aged 18 or over and live in the home as your main residence, you are usually responsible for paying council tax. Couples or people living together are jointly liable for the bill. In most cases, the property owner or tenant registered with the local council will receive the council tax notice directly.
How Council Tax Bands Are Decided
In England, every home is placed into one of eight council tax bands (A to H) based on its estimated market value as of 1 April 1991, even if the home was built recently.
For new build homes, the Valuation Office Agency (VOA) estimates what the property would have been worth in 1991 and assigns a band accordingly.
Here are the current valuation bands in England:
| Band | Property Value (as of 1 April 1991) |
| A | Up to £40,000 |
| B | £40,001 – £52,000 |
| C | £52,001 – £68,000 |
| D | £68,001 – £88,000 |
| E | £88,001 – £120,000 |
| F | £120,001 – £160,000 |
| G | £160,001 – £320,000 |
| H | More than £320,000 |
You can check your property’s council tax band on the official GOV.UK website.
When You Start Paying
For new build homes, you become liable for council tax once your local council issues a completion notice stating that the property is ready for occupation.
If you move in before the notice is issued, your council may still start charging from the date you take up residence.
At Beau Property, we ensure your new home is fully prepared and compliant so you can settle in with confidence. We also help guide you on any key information, including when council tax payments are likely to begin.
What Can Affect Your Band
The council tax band for your home is determined by the Valuation Office Agency (VOA). For new build homes, the VOA estimates what the property would have been worth in 1991, but the assessment is also influenced by several key factors.
When deciding your band, the VOA may consider a property’s:
- size
- layout
- character
- location
- change in use
If you make significant changes to the property after moving in, such as adding an extension, creating an annexe, or altering how parts of the home are used, the VOA may review your property and update the band accordingly.
If you believe your council tax band is incorrect, you can request a review directly through the VOA website..
How This Applies to Beau Property Homes
At Beau Property, every home is carefully designed for modern living, with quality materials, energy efficiency, and thoughtful layouts. Our approach to construction and finishing ensures you enjoy lasting comfort and long-term value.
We also understand that buying a new home involves many moving parts, including budgeting for ongoing costs like council tax. Our team is here to provide clear, transparent information at every stage of the buying process.
Final Thoughts
Understanding how council tax works is an important step in managing your new home. Remember:
- Major changes to the property could affect your future banding.
- You can always check or challenge your band if something doesn’t seem right.
At Beau Property, we’re committed to delivering not just beautiful homes, but also a seamless experience from purchase to move-in. If you have questions about any part of the process, our team is always happy to help.
