Unoccupied Relief

Empty Property Relief

100% mandatory rates relief can be granted to properties which are empty for the first 3 months with 50% discount available thereafter.  However, for some properties such as industrial and listed buildings and properties with rateables values of less than £1,700 there are no rates to pay even after the first 3 months.

Unoccupied Non Domestic Rates Relief Form 
Independent Third Party Evidence Form

Partly Occupied Property Relief 

A ratepayer is liable for the full non domestic rate whether a property is wholly or only partly occupied.  However, where a property was fully occupied but due to a downturn in trade, becomes partly occupied for a short period of time, The Highland Council has discretion to award relief in respect of the unoccupied part. 

For further information please contact the Non Domestic Rates team.