Owners of long-term empty properties with a combined value of over £500m ( over £500m ) in one of London 's wealthiest areas, Kensington and Guardian , incurred fines of over £500m three years ago , according to the Guardian . The figures came to light after the accidental release of a confidential database. A buyer for estate agent Savills said the buy to leave issue, in which owners leave their properties vacant to avoid renting costs, was "endemic" across London 's most attractive areas. In 2014, then mayor Boris Johnson said he thought 1,000% tax rates should be imposed. Polly Neate , the CEO of charity Shelter , said the government's buy to leave penalty – charging an extra 50% council tax – was "meaningless".
Owners of long-term empty properties with a combined value of over £500m ( over £500m ) in one of London 's wealthiest areas, Kensington and Guardian , incurred fines of over £500m three years ago , according to the Guardian . The figures came to light after the accidental release of a confidential database. A buyer for estate agent Savills said the buy to leave issue, in which owners leave their properties vacant to avoid renting costs, was "endemic" across London 's most attractive areas. Polly Neate , the CEO of charity Shelter , said the government's buy to leave penalty – charging an extra 50% council tax – was "meaningless".