Property guardianship can remove or significantly reduce business rates by changing how a vacant commercial property is legally occupied. When a building is empty, owners are usually liable for full business rates after any exemption period ends. By placing vetted property guardians into the space under a licence agreement, the property is no longer classed as vacant or in commercial use.

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Example:

A vacant office building with a rateable value of £120,000 may be liable for thousands of pounds per month in empty property business rates. Once property guardians move in and occupy the building as their main residence, the property is reclassified as residential occupation.

 

This typically brings business rates to an end and may replace them with council tax, which is often significantly lower. At the same time, the building is protected, maintained, and regularly occupied.

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This approach offers a cost-effective solution for owners looking to reduce holding costs while securing their property during periods of vacancy.