Local property tax
In England and Wales, the term ‘local property tax’ (LPT) refers to either the council tax or business rates. Very broadly, domestic properties pay the council tax, whilst business properties pay business rates (sometimes referred to as non-domestic rates).
Where properties are partly for business use and partly for domestic use, such as a pub or shop, where the owner lives on the premises or in a flat above the business, it may be necessary to pay both taxes.
If an owner is using their home for minor business purposes, they are not normally expected to pay business rates, for example, if:
- They only use a small part of the home for business.
- They don’t use it to sell goods or services to visiting clients or members of the public.
- They don’t employ other people to work at the premises.
- They don’t make alterations that are not for domestic purposes.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
Featured articles and news
Combating burnout.
The 5 elements of seiri, seiton, seiso, seiketsu and shitsuke.
Shading for housing, a design guide
A look back at embedding a new culture of shading.
The Architectural Technology Awards
The AT Awards 2025 are open for entries!
ECA Blueprint for Electrification
The 'mosaic of interconnected challenges' and how to deliver the UK’s Transition to Clean Power.
Grenfell Tower Principal Contractor Award notice
Tower repair and maintenance contractor announced as demolition contractor.
Passivhaus social homes benefit from heat pump service
Sixteen new homes designed and built to achieve Passivhaus constructed in Dumfries & Galloway.
CABE Publishes Results of 2025 Building Control Survey
Concern over lack of understanding of how roles have changed since the introduction of the BSA 2022.
British Architectural Sculpture 1851-1951
A rich heritage of decorative and figurative sculpture. Book review.
A programme to tackle the lack of diversity.
Independent Building Control review panel
Five members of the newly established, Grenfell Tower Inquiry recommended, panel appointed.
Welsh Recharging Electrical Skills Charter progresses
ECA progressing on the ‘asks’ of the Recharging Electrical Skills Charter at the Senedd in Wales.
A brief history from 1890s to 2020s.
CIOB and CORBON combine forces
To elevate professional standards in Nigeria’s construction industry.
Amendment to the GB Energy Bill welcomed by ECA
Move prevents nationally-owned energy company from investing in solar panels produced by modern slavery.
Gregor Harvie argues that AI is state-sanctioned theft of IP.
Experimental AI housing target help for councils
Experimental AI could help councils meet housing targets by digitising records.