Empty Properties
When a property becomes empty, for example, because a lease holder has vacated, it is exempt from Business Rates for the first 3 months that it is empty (this may be longer under certain circumstances, see table below.
| Type of Property | Empty Properties Relief |
|---|---|
| Industrial, that is factory, workshop, warehouse | Exempt for first 6 months after vacation date then pays full rates (100%) |
| All other properties, that is offices, pubs, petrol stations, showrooms. | Exempt for first 3 months after vacation date then pays full rates (100%) |
| Charitable organisations where, when next in use, will be used by a charity | Exempt whilst the property is empty |
| Properties where the occupier is subject to insolvency proceedings i.e. Bankruptcy, Administration, Liquidation | Exempt whilst the property is empty |
| Listed buildings | Exempt whilst the property is empty |
| Community amateur sports clubs (CASC) where, when next in use, will be used by a CASC | Exempt whilst the property is empty |
| Properties with rateable values below £2,900 | Exempt whilst the property is empty |
| Where the owner entitled to possession is the personal representative of a deceased person | Exempt whilst the property is empty |
If your property is in poor condition and cannot be repaired economically, the Valuation Office may judge that it should be taken out of the rating list altogether. Visit the Valuation Office Agency website or call 03000 501 501. The Valuation Office is part of HM Revenue and Customs.
To check your eligibility and to apply for Empty Property Relief, please contact the local council for your area: