Council Tax by Borough in London 2026: Cheapest and Most Expensive

Why London council tax varies so much

The 32 London boroughs (plus the City of London) each set their own council tax rate independently. The rates vary by a factor of more than 2 between the cheapest and most expensive. The reasons are:

1. Different funding mixes: some boroughs receive more central government grant per head than others, reducing reliance on council tax

2. Different service profiles: some boroughs run more services (libraries, social services, refuse) directly while others contract them out

3. Historic political choices: some boroughs have prioritised low council tax for decades, others have prioritised investment in services

4. Different population needs: areas with more vulnerable residents need higher social care spending

5. The GLA precept: the Greater London Authority adds a precept to fund the Mayor, fire, and police services. The same precept applies across all boroughs.

In 2026, the gap between Westminster (the cheapest) and most outer boroughs (the most expensive) is around £900 per year on a Band D property.

Approximate 2025 to 2026 Band D rates

These figures are approximate and should be verified with the relevant council before acting. Council tax is set annually each March.

Cheapest

Westminster and Wandsworth have historically been the lowest in London because of policies dating back several decades. Both councils have prioritised low council tax through efficient service delivery and use of commercial property income.

Mid-range

Most inner London boroughs sit between £1,400 and £1,800 at Band D. Camden, Islington, Hackney, Lambeth, Southwark, Tower Hamlets, and Newham are in this range.

Highest

Outer boroughs tend to have higher council tax than inner boroughs because they have lower commercial property income, more car-dependent infrastructure, and a higher proportion of vulnerable residents needing social care.

What this means for buyers

A buyer comparing two similar houses in different London boroughs needs to look at the council tax difference as a real ongoing cost. A £900 per year difference at Band D is £18,000 over 20 years before any inflation. For higher bands (E to H) the differences are larger still because they scale up.

For a typical owner-occupier in a Band F London property, the annual council tax can range from around £1,400 (cheapest borough) to over £3,300 (most expensive borough). The £1,900 per year difference is significant.

How to check the rate for a specific property

1. Find the borough by searching Property Passport UK at [/search](/search) (the platform shows the local authority for every property in London)

2. Find the band on the VOA website

3. Find the band rate on the borough's website (search "[borough name] council tax 2026")

4. Multiply the band rate by the band ratio (Band F is 1.444 times Band D, Band G is 1.667, Band H is 2.000)

Council tax discounts

Several discounts are available regardless of borough:

• Single person discount: 25% reduction if you live alone
• Student exemption: full-time students living alone are exempt; students living in shared accommodation may be exempt or get a reduction
• Disability reduction: the bill may be reduced by one band if a disabled person lives in the property
• Empty property discount: some boroughs offer a discount for empty properties for a limited period after a sale or death
• Council Tax Reduction: a means-tested benefit for people on low incomes

Always claim discounts you are entitled to.

Research any UK area on Property Passport UK

Property Passport UK shows verified data for every one of the 19.35 million properties in England and Wales, including EPC, flood risk, listed status, sold prices, and the local authority. Search any address or postcode at [/search](/search), or browse sold prices by district at [/sold-prices](/sold-prices).

Related guides

• How to research an area before buying
• How to check flood risk on a property
• How to find council tax band UK
• How to challenge council tax band