Some properties are eligible for discounts on their business rates. This is called ‘business rates relief’. 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 (eg warehouses) are exempt for a further 3 months
  • listed buildings - until they’re reoccupied
  • buildings with a rateable value under £2,600 - until they’re 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

This form usually takes about 5 minutes to complete. Please note that after 60 minutes of inactivity the form will time out and any information you have entered will be lost.