Empty-Property Rates
Reduce empty property costs through compliant, evidence-led strategies.
RICS-chartered surveyors. UK-wide coverage.
CPRA provides specialist empty property rates mitigation advice to landlords, owners, developers, and asset managers across the UK.
Our work is led by RICS-chartered surveyors and IRRV auditors and focuses on lawful relief entitlement, genuine occupation strategies, and robust supporting evidence, ensuring liabilities are reduced without exposing clients to unnecessary risk.
Evidence-led empty property rates advice
Empty property liabilities often arise not because relief is unavailable, but because:
- Relief periods are misunderstood or incorrectly applied
- Occupation status is not properly evidenced
- Opportunities to reset relief periods are poorly planned or missed altogether
- Part-occupation or short-term occupation is implemented without adequate documentation
Our role is to identify what relief is legitimately available, how it can be accessed properly, and whether the commercial and evidential thresholds are met.
We do not recommend artificial arrangements. We advise on genuine, legal, supportable strategies capable of withstanding scrutiny.
What we do
Empty property relief review
We assess:
- Vacancy dates and occupation history
- Initial empty property relief entitlement
- Whether relief has been applied correctly by the billing authority
- Opportunities for correction or backdating where appropriate
- Opportunities to immediately reset relief periods
This establishes a clear and defensible baseline position.
Short-term occupation strategies
Where appropriate, we advise on genuine short-term occupation strategies designed to lawfully reset empty property relief periods.
This includes advice on:
- Whether occupation would qualify in principle
- The minimum period and nature of occupation required
- Evidence standards (documentation and continuity)
- Practical and commercial viability
We will only recommend short-term occupation where it is genuine, legal, capable of being evidenced, and commercially sensible.
If those criteria are not met, we will advise against proceeding and advise on alternative mitigation strategies.
Part-occupation relief (Section 44A)
Where properties are partly occupied, we advise on statutory part-occupation relief under Section 44A of the Local Government Finance Act 1988.
Our advice includes:
- Eligibility assessment
- Preparation of plans and occupation evidence
- Support through the local authority application process
- Submitting applications and liaising with the local authority
Relief is discretionary and so we ensure expectations are realistic and properly managed.
Billing corrections & relief mapping
We assist with:
- Incorrect billing assumptions
- Misapplied reliefs or dates
- Liaison with billing authorities to resolve errors
Where liability is wrong, we help ensure it is corrected efficiently and properly documented.
How we work
Our approach is structured, compliant, and evidence-driven.
- Initial review – We assess vacancy, billing, and opportunity
- Evidence appraisal – We confirm what can be properly supported
- Commercial filter – We advise on risk, cost, and viability
- Implementation support – We assist with relief claims or occupation strategies
Advice is provided clearly, with risks and next steps set out transparently. We can manage the entire process on your behalf.
Fees
Our fees are usually performance-based, depending on the nature of the instruction.
All fee structures are agreed in advance. Details available on request.
Results
Request an empty property rates review
If you have an empty or partially vacant property, or are anticipating vacancy, speak to one of our senior surveyors for a confidential review.
No obligation. UK-wide coverage. Response within one business day.
Why CPRA?
- RICS-chartered surveyors leading every instruction
- Lawful, evidence-led empty rates mitigation
- Genuine short-term occupation strategies
- Clear documentation and governance standards
- Commercially realistic advice and no artificial schemes
FAQs
Find answers to common questions about CPRA and how our specialist, RICS-chartered surveyors support clients across the UK.
Contact UsIt varies; we prepare audit‑ready evidence packs to support claims and appeals.
Yes. We scope and document part‑occupation plans to support relief applications.
Where lawful and properly evidenced, yes — but governance and documentation are essential.
Speak to an adviser
No obligation. UK-wide. Response within one business day. A senior, RICS-chartered surveyor will review your case.
