How many second homes are there in England?

There were 268,000 homes recorded as second homes for council tax purposes in England in September 2025, down 12,000 (4.3%) on 2024, according to MHCLG's Council Taxbase 2025 in England. For council tax, a second home is a furnished property that is nobody's main residence. Since 1 April 2025 councils in England can charge a Second Homes Premium of up to 100%, and 170,000 homes were being charged it.

Council tax records are one measure. The English Housing Survey asks households whether they own a second home, including homes abroad or let to tenants, which gives a different count. Council-level figures are in the taxbase tables. Scotland and Wales publish their own figures, and their councils can charge different premiums.

Official sources: Council Taxbase 2025 in England · Scottish Government housing statistics (empty and second homes)

The latest figure

The newest value is at Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG). More on it: Net additional homes in England.

When is the next figure out?

Annual each November for the previous April to March (2024-25 published 20 November 2025; 2025-26 provisionally due in November 2026). Quarterly 'indicators of new supply' cover starts, completions and an estimate of net additions from Energy Performance Certificates (latest 24 September 2026; next due December 2026 or January 2027)

Every official release due in the next two weeks is on the release calendar.

Terms used in this answer

• Financial year
  The UK government's accounting year, running from 1 April to 31 March. Written as 2025-26 or FYE March 2026. The tax year runs 6 April to 5 April.
• Seasonally adjusted
  Figures that have had regular calendar patterns removed, such as Christmas shopping or summer jobs, so that underlying movements between months or quarters can be seen.
• Provisional figures
  Early estimates published before all data are in, so users get timely figures. They are expected to be updated when later data arrive.
• Revisions
  Changes to previously published figures, made when more complete data, improved methods or updated seasonal factors become available. A normal part of official statistics.
• Outturn
  The actual recorded figure for a period that has ended, as opposed to a plan, budget or forecast for it.

Where the figures come from

• MHCLG housing and homelessness statistics (with MoJ possessions and devolved equivalents)
  Official figures on temporary accommodation, rough sleeping, waiting lists, social lettings, evictions and tenure in England and the rest of the UK.

Related questions

• How many empty homes are there in England?
• How many households rent privately in England?
• How many evictions and repossessions are there in England and Wales?

This answer says where the official figures are published and how they are defined. It gives no verdict on any claim. To report an error, send a correction request. More questions about homelessness, social housing and renting: all Homelessness, social housing and renting questions.