Business Rates will not be payable in the
first three months that a property is empty.
This is extended to six months in the case of certain industrial
properties. After this period, rates are payable in full unless the
unoccupied property rate has been reduced by the Government by
order.
Currently, if the Rateable Value of the unoccupied property is
below £18,000 it will continue to be exempt from Business Rates
after the initial three or six month exemption. With effect from
1st April 2011 this threshold is being reduced to £2,600. Empty
properties with a Rateable Value over £2,600 will attract a full
charge after the initial three or six month exemption.
In most cases, the unoccupied property rate is zero for
properties owned by charities and Community Amateur Sports
Clubs.
In addition, there are a number of exemptions from the empty
property rate.
If you require advice about rates payable on your empty property
please contact our Business Rates Office at: