Highest Council Tax Bands (2025 Guide)

If you own or rent a house in the UK, you’ve probably heard of the Council Tax (the yearly charges your local council collects to pay for services like rubbish collection, road maintenance, etc.)

But not everyone pays the same amount. Your Council Tax depends on your Council Tax Band. If you’re in one of the highest bands, you’ll pay a lot more than someone in the lower band.

This guide will explain:

• All council tax bands

• What the highest bands mean

• How they’re calculated, and

• Much more

Let’s get started!

Understanding Council Tax Bands

In the UK, every property is placed into a band, based on its value at a specific point in time.

• England & Scotland: Property values as of 1 April 1991
• Wales: Property values as of 1 April 2003

These valuations have not been updated since those dates. This means even if your house value has gone up massively since then, your band is still based on those older values.

The bands are reviewed periodically to ensure they remain fair and balanced.

Which Are The Highest Council Tax Bands?

The highest council tax bands are Band H and Band I. These bands are typically reserved for the largest and most expensive properties in the area. Band H properties are the largest and most expensive homes in the area and can include stately homes, country estates, and mansions.

These properties often have large numbers of bedrooms, extensive gardens, and extensive leisure and entertainment facilities. Band H properties are typically charged the highest amount of Council Tax and are often subject to additional taxes and charges for their size and value.

However, the exact amount of Council Tax that a Band H property owes will depend on the Local Council Tax Rate and any additional charges that may be applied. Band I properties are not very common in the UK, and are typically only found in the most expensive and exclusive areas.

These properties are the largest and most prestigious homes in the country and are often owned by high-net-worth individuals or families. Band I properties are subject to the highest possible Council Tax rates and are often subject to additional tax charges and surcharges due to their size and value.

However, the exact amount of Council Tax that a Band I property owes will depend on the Local Council Tax Rate and any additional charges that may be applied.

All Council Tax Bands – A Breakdown

 

Band	Property Value  (As of April 1991)	What It Mean
A	Up to £40,000	Lowest band, smaller or lower-value homes. You’ll pay the least text here.
B	£40,001 – £52,000	Slightly higher value than Band A, but still affordable homes.
C	£52,001 – £68,000	Mid-range value homes. Common for average size family properties.
D	£68,001 – £88,000	The “middle” band, often used as the base reference for council tax rates.
E	£88,001 – £120,000	Larger or more desirable properties. Higher tax rate due to increased value.
F	£120,001 – £160,000	Higher-end properties, often detached homes in sought-after areas.
G	£160,001 – £320,000	Premium homes – large properties or prime locations.
H	Over £320,000	The highest band. Luxury properties. Owners here pay the most council tax.

Reference: GOV.UK – Council Tax Bands

How Your Council Tax Band is Decided?

Here’s how:

• Property value as of 1 April 1991 (not today’s value).
• Size, layout, and character of the property.
• Location and surrounding area.
• Comparable sales at that time.

For new properties, the Valuation Office Agency (VOA) works out what your home would have been worth in 1991.

How is a New Property Given a Council Tax Band?

If your property is newly built or converted (e.g., from a shop to a flat), it is evaluated by the local council to determine its Council Tax band. The council uses a range of criteria, including the property’s size, location, and amenities, to assign it a band that reflects its value in the local housing market.

Some of the factors that the council may consider when assigning a band include the number and size of the property’s rooms, its overall square footage, the presence of any special features or amenities, the quality of the surrounding area, the value of nearby properties, and any similar properties in the area.

The band is then used to determine the amount of Council Tax that the property’s owner will need to pay each year for the services provided by the local council.

The Council Tax system is designed to ensure that the owners of the most valuable properties pay the most Council Tax, while those with lower-value properties pay less.

By evaluating and assigning bands to newly built or changed properties, the council can ensure that the Council Tax system remains fair and balanced and that owners are paying a fair share of the cost of the services provided by the local council.

Can You Challenge Your Band?

If you believe your Council Tax band is incorrect or unfair, you have the right to challenge the band assigned to your property. This process is known as a Council Tax Band Appeal.

The first step in challenging your Council Tax band is to gather evidence that supports your claim that the band is incorrect or unfair. This evidence may include:

• Property valuations are conducted by property experts, such as surveyors, estate agents, or independent valuers.
• Comparisons with similar properties in the area that have been assigned a different band.
• Any other supporting evidence that shows there are errors in the Council’s assessment of your property.

Once you have gathered your evidence, you can submit a Council Tax Band Appeal to your local council. The appeal should be submitted in writing, clearly setting out your reasons for challenging the band, and including any supporting evidence. Your council will review your appeal and may ask you for further information or clarification.

Tips for Reducing a High Council Tax Bill

• Apply for Council Tax discounts – Single occupants get 25% off.
• Check for exemptions – Some people (like students or those with severe mental impairment) may be exempt.
• Challenge your band if you think it’s incorrect.
• Ensure records are accurate – Wrong details can lead to overpayment.

What If You’ve Overpaid Your Council Tax?

If you have overpaid your council tax, and haven’t received an automated refund, you can contact your local council.

The Bottom Line

Understanding your Council Tax Band can make a huge difference to your yearly costs.

If you are not sure whether your property is in the right band, you can check your valuation, compare with similar homes and use the appeal process if needed. And if you have overpaid, you have the right to claim it back.

At the end of the day, knowing how the Council Tax system works in 2025/26 gives you control over what you are paying & ensures you are not handing over more of your hard earned money than you need to.

Disclaimer: The information about the highest council tax bands in the UK is provided in this article including text and graphics. It does not intend to disregard any of the professional advice.