Empty property rate relief scheme

Category: Press releases, Commercial, Commercial property

A new empty property rate relief scheme for newly built commercial property became effective on 1 October 2013. The relief is to be awarded at the discretion of local authorities.

Empty non-domestic properties are generally entitled to a three or six month rate-free period; under the new scheme, relief will be available for new properties completed between 1 October 2013 and 30 September 2016 that are unoccupied for the first 18 months after completion of construction.

Developers should check with the relevant local rating authority to see if they can claim relief under the scheme for their development.