Empty Property - Important changes from 1 April 2008
Currently empty properties have an exemption from rates for three months where no charge is made. A charge of 50% is made after three months. Some properties, for example factories, warehouses and where the Rateable Value is under 2,200, are exempt from paying empty property rates.
With effect from 1 April 2008 the government has reformed charges for empty properties. In summary the reforms are:
- Non-industrial properties empty for more than 3 months will no longer receive 50% rate relief;
- Industrial properties empty for more than 6 months will no longer receive 100% rate relief;
- Charities and Community Amateur Sports Clubs will receive 100% rate relief on empty properties;
Additional Information from 1 April 2009
With effect from 1 April 2009 to the period ending 31 March 2010 empty properties with a rateable value of less than £15,000 will be exempt for one year only from paying the unoccupied property rate charge.
If you would like more information about Empty Properties or any other reduction contact our business rate office.
