Empty property relief

From 1 April 2024 the reductions available for empty properties/or premises i.e. (i.e. premises not in use as an active business) are as follows:

• 50% relief of rates for a maximum of three months from the date of last occupation
• 10% relief for a further period up to a maximum of 9 months

(A change of ratepayer does not affect the qualifying time period)

If your property is unoccupied because occupation is Prohibited by Law, or in other exceptional circumstances (generally out with your control) you can apply for 100% Empty Property relief for up to 12 months. No more than 12 months should have elapsed from the date the property became unoccupied.

Apply for Empty Property Relief

Alternatively download and complete the Empty Relief application form (Word doc, 56 KB)

Part of a property is not being used and is completely unoccupied for a short time

As short term empty property relief is granted at the discretion of the Council, each Council may have a different policy in place. South Ayrshire Council policy is to award this relief to former industrial premises only, where the value of the unoccupied part is greater than 5% of the total rateable value, and for a maximum period of 3 months per financial year. Download a partly unoccupied property Partly empty application form (Word doc, 42 KB).