A proposal to allow local authorities to levy council tax premiums of up to 300% on second homes and long-term empty properties has been branded punitive and counterproductive by a leading UK estate agent, who warns that some owners could face annual bills exceeding £15,000. The intervention comes as councils across England and Wales, already empowered since 2023 to double council tax on second homes, push for even greater powers to tackle housing shortages by penalising owners of properties standing empty or used only occasionally.