It's a regional tax, which an empty property is exempt from for a while, as we try to sell, but then it kicks in - and if the house remains empty for more than 6 months on the normal rate, it doubles.

Council tax pays for local services provided by the local council.

Our council tax at home is about 20% of my net income, so to have to pay it twice is expensive. To have to pay it three times, because the house is empty for too long, would be a financial disaster.

We'd rather let it again than have to spend most of our money on council tax.