Certain property, whether occupied or out of use for a period, may be eligible for exemption from payment of business rates. The GOV.UK website lists the following as potentially eligible:

Exempted buildings - certain properties are exempt from business rates. Exemptions include:

  • agricultural land and buildings, including fish farms

  • buildings used for training or welfare of disabled people

  • buildings registered for public religious worship or church halls

Empty properties - you don’t have to pay business rates on empty buildings for 3 months. After this time, most businesses must pay full business rates. Some properties can get extended empty property relief:

  • industrial premises (e.g. warehouses) are exempt for a further 3 months

  • listed buildings - until they are reoccupied

  • buildings with a rateable value under £2,600 - until they are reoccupied

  • properties owned by charities - only if the property’s next use will be mostly for charitable purposes

  • community amateur sports clubs buildings - only if the next use will be mostly as a sports club

If you are concerned that you may be missing on these exemptions contact your local council to find out more.