Understanding Scottish Borders Council Tax
Council tax is one of those costs that catches new renters by surprise. If you're moving to the Scottish Borders — especially from the Scottish Borders or another city — you'll be pleased to know that council tax here is noticeably cheaper. Here's a practical guide to how it works.
How council tax bands work
Every residential property in Scotland is assigned a council tax band from A (lowest) to H (highest), based on its value as of April 1991. Yes, 1991 — the bands haven't been revalued since. This means a cottage that was worth £30,000 in 1991 might now be worth £200,000 but still sits in Band B.
In the Scottish Borders, a higher proportion of properties fall in the lower and middle bands (A to D) compared to the Scottish Borders. This, combined with Scottish Borders Council's lower rates, means council tax bills are generally cheaper.
Scottish Borders Council tax rates (2025/26)
Scottish Borders Council sets its own rates each year. Approximate annual costs:
- Band A: ~£830/year (£69/month)
- Band B: ~£968/year (£81/month)
- Band C: ~£1,106/year (£92/month)
- Band D: ~£1,245/year (£104/month)
- Band E: ~£1,575/year (£131/month)
- Band F: ~£1,863/year (£155/month)
- Band G: ~£2,151/year (£179/month)
- Band H: ~£2,531/year (£211/month)
Note: these are approximate figures. Check the Scottish Borders Council website for current rates.
How this compares to the Scottish Borders
At every band, Scottish Borders council tax is lower than the Scottish Borders. For example:
- Band C: approximately £1,106/year in the Borders vs £1,200/year in the Scottish Borders — a saving of around £94/year.
- Band D: approximately £1,245/year in the Borders vs £1,350/year in the Scottish Borders — a saving of around £105/year.
But the real saving comes from the property types. A 2-bed house with a garden in Galashiels might be Band B or C, while a similar-sized flat in the Scottish Borders would likely be Band C or D. Combined with lower rent, the monthly saving is substantial.
Discounts and exemptions
- Single person discount: if you're the only adult in the property, you get 25% off. Apply through Scottish Borders Council.
- Student exemption: if everyone in the property is a full-time student, the property is exempt from council tax entirely.
- Council tax reduction: if you're on a low income or receiving certain benefits, you may qualify for a reduction. Apply through the council.
- Disability reduction: if the property has been adapted for a disabled person, you may qualify for a band reduction.
- Second adult rebate: if you live with someone who is on a low income and doesn't pay council tax, you may get a discount.
Typical bands by area
As a rough guide for the Scottish Borders:
- Bands A–B: flats and smaller terraced houses in Galashiels, Hawick, and Selkirk. Also many ex-council properties across the region.
- Bands C–D: the most common band for 2–3 bed semi-detached houses in towns like Kelso, Jedburgh, and Peebles. This is where most renters will fall.
- Bands E–F: larger detached houses and period properties in desirable locations like Melrose, St Boswells, and central Peebles.
- Bands G–H: larger country houses and premium properties — rarely available on the rental market.
How to check your band
Search the Scottish Assessors Association website (saa.gov.uk) by postcode or address to find any property's council tax band. If you think your band is wrong, you can appeal — but be aware it could go up as well as down.
Water and sewerage
Unlike in England, water and sewerage charges in Scotland are collected alongside council tax. They're included in the figures above, charged by Scottish Water based on your council tax band. There's no separate water bill to worry about.
Factor council tax into your budget when searching for rental properties. Our neighbourhood guides can help you compare towns and areas across the Borders.