Empty Property Rates Relief
Stop Paying Full Rates on Your Empty Property
Many commercial property owners are unaware they may qualify for Empty Property Rates Relief — or that their rateable value can be challenged. Our IRRV-qualified specialists assess your liability for free.
What Is Empty Property Rates Relief?
When a commercial property becomes vacant, the owner or occupier may still be liable for Non-Domestic Business Rates. However, there are several forms of relief available that can significantly reduce or eliminate this liability.
Empty properties are typically exempt from business rates for an initial period — 3 months for most properties, 6 months for industrial premises. After this, full rates usually apply. But many owners don't realise there are further avenues to reduce this burden.
Through the Check, Challenge and Appeal process, we can also examine whether your property's rateable value is correct — because Non-Domestic Rates assessments can be, and should be, challenged.
Relief Options We Can Help You Explore
Initial Empty Property Exemption
Most empty commercial properties qualify for a 3-month rates-free period (6 months for industrial premises) from the date they become vacant.
Listed Building Exemption
Properties that are listed buildings are exempt from empty property rates for as long as they remain vacant and listed.
Low Rateable Value Exemption
Properties with a rateable value below a certain threshold may qualify for a full exemption from empty property rates.
Rateable Value Challenge
If your property's rateable value is too high, we can challenge it through the Check, Challenge & Appeal process — potentially reducing your liability permanently.
Charitable & Other Exemptions
Properties owned by charities or certain other organisations may qualify for additional relief. We assess every available avenue for your specific situation.
How We Help You
Free Assessment
We review your property details, current rates liability, and identify all potential relief options — at no cost to you.
Check & Challenge
Where appropriate, we submit a formal Check and Challenge to the Valuation Office Agency to contest your rateable value.
Appeal & Savings
If the challenge is successful, your rateable value is reduced — lowering your rates bill. Our fee is just 20% of any savings achieved.
Why Choose Hexagon?
- IRRV Qualified Technician Members — recognised industry professionals
- No Win, No Fee — you only pay if we save you money
- Free initial assessment with no obligation
- Specialists in the Check, Challenge & Appeal process
- Serving commercial property owners across England and Wales
- Transparent 20% fee — only on savings or credits achieved
Find Out If You Qualify — Free, No Obligation
Speak to one of our IRRV-qualified specialists today. We'll assess your empty property rates liability and tell you exactly what relief you may be entitled to.
No Win, No Fee
Free initial assessment — no obligation