Service Description: In certain cases you may qualify for a Council Tax reduction, for example, if only one adult lives in your home, if you're disabled, if you live with people we don't count for Council Tax purposes like a full-time student, a student nurse or a carer. There are various discounts that you may be eligible to claim to reduce your bill. A property can be exempt (no Council Tax to pay) for a fixed period or it can be exempt indefinitely. The length of time a property is exempt depends on the reason for the exemption. Often a property is exempt from Council Tax because it is unoccupied (empty). However, some occupied properties can also be exempt.
Answer: An exemption can be given for a period of up to one year whilst it is empty and undergoing repairs to make it habitable. - Related Link