Business Rates on Empty Commercial Property

[2 5HAN]

Sorry guys I have been through the search function

We have a large Warehouse with Offices, the property is only fit for storage as it has no Water, Gas or Electricity. All the windows have been removed and covered over with anti tamper metal cages etc

I have seen the possibility of using the 42 day rule and have read of the Makro case where they successfully argued about the use of a small % of area for the storage of goods and documents etc

I know we could use this if necessary.

Another option is of course that we could demolish the building. It is a cost I would rather avoid for the time being as the project on site will not start for 12m + and there is a chance we may flip the project on later

Could someone confirm

With the building in this state are we still liable for rates?

If we were to remove the roof would I still be liable for rates?

All help appreciated

[Chrisgr31]

Unfortunately the answer is that it depends. I have had a cerain amount of success at getting nominal assessments etc. The Makro style operation also works but can be location dependent as some billing authorities are more thorough than others at checking what use is being made of the building etc.

If you want to PM me for more free info feel free to do so

[2 5HAN]

Thanks Chris

Sent you a PM