FAQs

Business rates in the UK are a form of property tax levied on commercial properties, determined by the property's rateable value, which is assessed by the Valuation Office Agency (VOA). These rates are a key source of revenue for local councils, supporting local services. Understanding your property's rateable value is essential for calculating the business rates you owe.

The Valuation Office Agency (VOA) determines the rateable value of a commercial property based on its estimated annual rental value on a specific date, taking into account various factors such as size, location, and usage. This assessment is regularly updated to reflect changes in the property market. Property owners can challenge their rateable value if they believe it is incorrect, potentially leading to adjusted business rates.

Business Rates Relief comprises various schemes designed to reduce the business rates bill for eligible properties, such as small businesses, rural shops, and enterprises in Enterprise Zones. Eligibility criteria vary by relief type, generally based on the property's rateable value, its usage, or its location. Property owners should consult their local council or a professional advisory service like Vacatad to explore their eligibility for Business Rates Relief and how to apply.

Business rates mitigation strategies involve lawful methods to reduce the amount of business rates payable, such as temporary property occupation schemes like those offered by Vacatad, or ensuring eligibility for various reliefs. These strategies can significantly lower the financial burden on businesses, enhancing cash flow and operational flexibility. Engaging with a specialist in rates mitigation and Property Tax Mitigation can provide tailored advice and solutions, optimizing your property tax liabilities.

Vacatad utilises the rateable value of a property, as determined by the Valuation Office Agency, to calculate the potential savings a property owner can achieve through a 3 to 6-month rates relief period, depending on the property type. This calculation is initiated after completing a minimum 13-week occupancy with our innovative technology-first advertising solution. Our approach ensures that property owners can visualise their savings upfront and how much they can protect their companies bottom line.

Unlike high-risk occupancy schemes such as live-in guardianship, pop-up events, short term lease agrerements and temporary accommodation often used for business rates mitigation, VacatAd offers a zero-risk, non-invasive solution. Our technology first approach ensures relief from business rates without subjecting properties to potential damage or management complexities associated with these high-risk occupancy methods

Vacatad's effectiveness in securing business rates relief is influenced by the property type and adherence to local authority guidelines, with our services designed to optimize savings for a wide range of properties. While we operate on a no win, no fee basis, ensuring our interests are aligned with achieving results for our clients, the exact savings can vary based on specific property characteristics and current legislation. Our team conducts a thorough assessment to provide an honest appraisal of potential savings before engagement.

Engaging with Vacatad begins with a consultation to understand your property's specifics and potential for rates mitigation. Following this, we enter into a license to occupy, allowing us to implement our advertising technology for a minimum of 6 weeks, after which we manage all necessary communications with local authorities to activate your rates relief period. Our streamlined process is designed to be hassle-free for property owners, providing a clear path to saving

We use a very simple solution, the principle of which has been tested in the High Court. Because each of our tenancies are exclusive, actual, beneficial and non-transient, we have a 100% success rate.

Vacatad prioritises legal compliance and works closely with local authorities to ensure all occupancy and advertising activities meet current regulations for business rates mitigation. Our experienced team is knowledgeable in property tax mitigation strategies and maintains open communication with authorities to facilitate a smooth process. This compliance focus ensures that our occupancy solutions not only mitigate rates effectively but also uphold the highest standards of legality and community respect.

During our occupancy period, Vacatad employs a range of advertising strategies tailored to the property and locality, including campaigns that support charitable causes, promote the building to potential tenants, and align with local authority interests. This multifaceted approach not only establishes a beneficial occupation qualifying for subsequent business rates relief but also adds value by increasing property visibility and contributing to social initiatives. Our advertising content is carefully selected to ensure relevance, compliance, and positive impact.

Vacatad operates within the legal framework established by UK case law, specifically adhering to guidelines and regulations around business rates relief as outlined by the Valuation Office Agency and local authorities. Our strategy involves a legitimate occupancy of commercial properties, using a license to occupy for a minimum of 6 weeks, a practice recognized under UK law as a means to qualify for rates relief on empty properties. We continuously monitor legal developments to ensure our services remain compliant with the latest legislation and guidelines, ensuring peace of mind for our clients.

By taking occupancy of vacant properties for a set period, Vacatad leverages the legal provision that allows property owners to become eligible for business rates relief after a short-term occupancy. This process is conducted in full compliance with UK business rates mitigation policies, including those related to Business Property Relief and Business Rates Relief. Our engagement with properties is formalised through a license to occupy, which is a legally recognised agreement, ensuring our operations are transparent and in line with legal requirements.

Vacatad's operations are designed to align with the Valuation Office Agency's (VOA) criteria for assessing rateable values and eligibility for business rates relief. By establishing a temporary but genuine business activity within vacant properties, we meet the VOA's requirements for occupancy, which can lead to a reassessment of the property's rateable value or qualify it for relief. Our meticulous approach ensures that every occupancy is documented and reported in accordance with VOA guidelines, ensuring full transparency and compliance.

Vacatad prioritises legal compliance by staying informed about changes in laws and regulations affecting business rates and property tax mitigation. We maintain a proactive approach by consulting with legal experts in real estate and tax law and monitoring updates from the Valuation Office Agency and other relevant bodies. This commitment ensures that our business rates mitigation strategies are always in line with the latest legal requirements, providing reliable and compliant services to our clients.