Business Rates in 2026: What Landlords Need to Prepare for Now

By Verity Commercial Services

2026 is set to be a significant year for business rates. With expected changes to multipliers, ongoing reform discussions, and increasing pressure on vacant property liabilities, landlords who prepare early will be in the strongest position.

While some details are still being finalised, one thing is already clear: waiting will cost more than planning. The landlords who take action now will protect their budgets, reduce risk, and avoid reactive decisions later.

At Verity, we help property owners stay ahead of change; calmly, clearly, and cost-effectively.

Expected Multiplier Changes

Business rates multipliers are expected to continue evolving as part of wider government reform. While revaluations aim to better reflect the market, multiplier adjustments can still result in higher annual liabilities for many commercial properties; particularly those left vacant.

For landlords with large or diverse portfolios, even small multiplier changes can translate into substantial cost increases across a year.

The key risk is not knowing where exposure sits until the liability has already landed.

Reliefs and Exemptions: What Still Applies

There are reliefs and exemptions available; but they are often misunderstood, underused, or explored too late.

Common examples include:

• Empty property relief (time-limited)
• Charitable and Place of Worship exemptions
• Specific use-based reliefs 
• Temporary occupation relief in certain circumstances

However, eligibility is strict, evidence-based, and increasingly scrutinised. Incorrect assumptions or delays can lead to lost relief, backdated charges, or compliance challenges.

Understanding what applies -and when- is essential.

The Growing Risk of Empty Rates

Vacant properties remain one of the biggest financial drains for landlords.

Once initial relief periods expire, empty rates often become a full and ongoing liability, regardless of market conditions or leasing challenges. For some assets, this can mean six-figure annual costs on a single unit.

With increasing pressure on local authorities and tighter oversight, relying on “holding out for a tenant” is no longer a viable strategy.

Mitigation must be explored early, and implemented correctly.

Why Early Preparation Saves Budget

The most effective cost savings in business rates don’t come from last-minute fixes. They come from forward planning.

Early preparation allows landlords to:

• Identify high-risk assets before relief expires
• Assess mitigation options while timelines are flexible
• Avoid rushed decisions and compliance issues
• Maintain control over cash flow and forecasting

At Verity, we provide structured savings breakdowns and managed mitigation schemes; including Place of Worship and Cycle schemes; that can deliver 100% business rates savings on eligible vacant properties, with full operational oversight.

Preparing for 2026 Starts Now

Business rates reform is moving quickly, and vacant property liabilities are becoming harder to ignore.

Landlords who act now will enter 2026 informed, prepared and protected; rather than reactive.

If you want clarity on how upcoming changes could affect your portfolio, or would like a no-obligation assessment of your current exposure, our team is ready to help.

How Verity Can Support You

Verity specialises in helping landlords navigate business-rates liabilities by mitigating empty rates exposure on their vacant spaces.

• Empty Rates Mitigation

• Facilities Management

Whether you’re preparing for the upcoming revaluation or assessing the long-term impact of the new multipliers, our team is here to support.

📞 0333 613 4583

📩 [email protected]

🔗 veritygroup.uk