Empty (unoccupied) property relief

Who can apply

You do not have to pay business rates if your property is empty for less than 3 months. 

This is can be extended to 6 months for certain industrial premises.

If the property is still empty at the end of the given period, you will be charged 100% of the basic occupied business rates.

How to apply

Apply to us online.

Start now

While we process your application, you must continue to pay your business rates until you hear from us.

Properties which do not need to pay

Some properties do not need to pay business rates if left empty. These include situation where:

• the property has a rateable value less than £2,900
• the owner is legally not allowed to occupy the property
• the property is held by a charity and will be used for charitable purposes when next occupied
• the property is held by a local amateur sports club and will be used for this purpose when next occupied
• the property is kept empty due to action taken by or on behalf of the Crown or any local or public authority
• the property is a listed building 

Properties in poor condition and needing repair

If you property is in poor condition and it is not cost effective to repair, the Valuation Office Agency may decide to remove it from the rateable value list.

For more information go to repairs and rateable values – GOV.UK.