Every property presents a different challenge. This is why we believe in listening carefully to our clients needs before creating a bespoke strategy on each individual project. We join forces with the project team as early in the process as possible to ensure that the best approach has been agreed before planning is secured on buildings to be redeveloped, and before vacant possession is secured for buildings to be refurbished.

We know from experience that the intended timing and course of a refurbishment or development project can change many times before completion, so the game plan must be flexible and adaptable if the exposure to rates is to be minimised. Maintaining close contact with the project team is key to our approach.

Once completion of the scheme approaches, we will provide our client, their funders and letting agents with rate liability estimates and budget forecasts. Decisive action is essential to effectively avoid and defer the start of liability on completion of the works. Properly handled, this can also afford the opportunity to pass on savings to potential tenants during their fit-out works and improve the agreed lease terms.

Our expert input can make a real difference to:

• Improving client returns on the overall project by minimising the rates burden;

• Removing rates to help attract tenants and secure better terms

The appeal regulations are complex but there are still a myriad of opportunities to minimise empty rates if properly understood. This can relate to small layout changes during refurbishment or the splitting of floors to enable letting of part. We can advise on all of these issues which may not have been considered.

The market is constantly changing, leading to changes in the way in which space is delivered. A recent trend, perhaps in response to the rapidly expanding serviced office sector, has seen landlords undertaking “Cat B Works” in an effort to attract tenants who want to move in immediately. This can have consequences for rates payable and we can advise clients on how they may be affected.