This new housing law, approved by the Council of Ministers and awaiting discussion in the Senate, brings notable changes for landlords and tenants alike. A key element is a tax on empty homes, designed to push vacant properties back onto the rental market. The law invites clearer understanding of what counts as an empty house, how the tax will be applied, and what it means for households and property owners. Below is a clear overview of these measures as they stand today.
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What counts as an empty house under the new Housing Act?
According to the National Institute of Statistics, a residence is considered vacant when it is not the habitual residence of anyone and is not used seasonally, periodically, or occasionally by anyone. In other words, empty homes are those not actively inhabited. The new Housing Law uses this definition to guide policy, including how rental offers are managed in regions facing price pressure and limited supply.
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Empty house tax: how it will work
The new Housing Act gives local governments the authority to add surcharges to the local property tax for vacant homes. The additional charge varies with how long a property has remained unoccupied. The surcharge is structured to target the most prolonged vacancies and is designed to encourage owners to place their properties on the rental market.
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- A 50% surcharge on homes that have been uninhabited for at least two years, applicable to owners of four or more properties.
- A 100% surcharge if homes have not been used for more than three years.
- In cases where a property owner has two or more residences in the same municipality, the surcharge can rise to 150%.
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What this means for homeowners
These measures are intended to nudge owners with vacant properties to enter the rental market, enlarging the supply and potentially easing price pressures. The Housing Law also introduces other changes, including updated rules for rental prices in 2023 and 2024, and a clarified definition of a “tension zone” that determines where price controls apply.
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The taxation of vacant homes is one of the law’s central innovations. By encouraging rental activity and curbing steep price rises in the sector, the act urges owners of empty properties to consider their options. Those with vacant homes in their portfolios should stay informed about these measures and assess how best to respond to any new tax implications.