Residents of long - term empty properties with a combined value of over £ 500 m ( $ 655 m ) in one of London 's wealthiest areas , Kensington and Chelsea , incurred fines of just £ 85,000 last year , according to the Guardian . The figures came to light after the accidental release of a confidential database . “That’s not right for anybody.” 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 – , an extra 50 % of tax – was " meaningless " .
Residents of long - term empty properties with a combined value of over £ 500 m ( $ 655 m ) in one of London 's wealthiest areas , Kensington and Chelsea , incurred fines of just £ 85,000 last year , 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 – , an extra 50 % of tax – was " meaningless " .