South East England•No active empty-home loan or grant
Bedford empty home schemes
Bedford does not currently operate a direct empty-home loan or grant. Owners may still be subject to the council tax premium below and can contact the empty-property officer for advice.
Council tax premium
A property is classed as "long-term empty" once it has been unoccupied and substantially unfurnished for a qualifying period. The premium is charged on top of the standard council tax bill.
After 1 year
+100%
Adopted 1 Apr 2025. View council source
Notes
From 1 April 2025 100% premium on second homes and unoccupied-furnished dwellings. No dedicated empty homes grant/loan; advice only via housing.strategy@bedford.gov.uk.
Council website
Bedford