Owning a commercial property that is vacant and undergoing renovation can come with costly overheads—especially business rates liability, even when the building cannot be legally or practically occupied. However, under certain conditions, business rates relief for property under renovation is available to help reduce these costs.
At Fraser Bond, we help landlords, developers, and asset owners across London and the UK understand their eligibility for business rates exemptions and reductions, manage the application process, and implement void strategies that protect long-term value.
In most cases, business rates become payable on commercial property as soon as the standard void exemption period expires:
3 months for offices and retail units
6 months for industrial properties
However, if a property is genuinely unfit for occupation due to structural works, major renovation, or redevelopment, you may be eligible for a temporary exemption or removal from the rating list.
This process involves applying to the Valuation Office Agency (VOA), which assesses whether the building should remain rateable during the renovation period.
If the building is undergoing work that renders it incapable of occupation, it may be removed from the rating list—effectively suspending business rates until the works are complete.
Examples of qualifying scenarios:
Removal of floors, walls, or roof sections
Major reconfiguration of internal layout
Structural upgrades or partial demolition
Works requiring building control approval or planning consent
If the works are purely decorative, involve only electrical/plumbing upgrades, or the property could reasonably be occupied during works, the VOA will likely reject the relief application.
Document the Works
Keep clear records of the start date, contractor details, scope of work, building control notices, planning consents, and photos.
Submit a Proposal to the VOA
Request to have the property removed from the rating list or revalued due to unfitness for occupation.
Arrange a Site Visit
The VOA may inspect the site to confirm that occupation is not possible during renovations.
Await Decision
If approved, the property will be removed from the rating list until the works are completed or occupation becomes viable.
Fraser Bond helps landlords and developers navigate the complexity of commercial rating law while managing properties undergoing significant works.
We provide:
Strategic advice on rating liability and exemptions
Coordination with building surveyors and planning consultants
Management of VOA proposal submissions
Support for redevelopment, conversion, and structural refurbishment schemes
Whether you're renovating a high street retail unit, converting a commercial block into residential, or modernising office space, we ensure your rates exposure is accurately assessed and fairly managed.
Visit FraserBond.com to request a consultation on business rates relief for your property under renovation.
