Vacant Space | Vacant Property Rates Mitigation

We assess vacant properties on a case-by-case basis to identify legitimate opportunities to reduce empty property rates liability. Depending on the property, its intended use and the circumstances of the vacancy, this may include genuine temporary occupation, charitable use, exhibitions, storage or other appropriate strategies.

Any occupation must have a genuine purpose and satisfy the relevant legal requirements. Following recent developments in the courts, we carefully assess the circumstances of each property before recommending a mitigation strategy.

Where a property is temporarily vacant, there may be circumstances where genuine occupation can form part of a wider business rates mitigation strategy.

We assess each property individually to determine whether temporary or intermittent occupation is appropriate, taking into account the nature of the property, the proposed use, the duration and frequency of occupation and the relevant business rates legislation.

Our approach is therefore focused on legitimate, commercially justifiable occupation, rather than simply resetting the empty property relief period.

If you have a vacant property approaching the end of its empty property relief period, we can review the circumstances and advise on a bespoke solution.

Charity Occupations can provide savings of 80-100%. Charities bring life and footfall to the local community, and so increasing the appeal of a building or area; landlords can also benefit from lower insurance and security costs.

Vacant Space Management works alongside Centric Community Projects (who provide office, storage, meeting, training and rehearsal space to over 1,500 registered charities, community interest groups and non-profit organisations) to find suitable not-for-profit occupants.

A registered charity occupying a commercial building is entitled to 80% mandatory business rate relief. Additionally, charities receive 100% Empty Property Rate relief (EPR) when their premises are vacant, as long as the premises’ next use is by a charity.

Vacant Space Management works with Centric Community Projects to promote a number of touring Equality Exhibitions across the country. Providing the necessary criteria are met, EPR savings of over 95% pa can be achieved.

Rates Auditing

We examine rates as far back as 1990

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Rates Auditing

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