Ethical Business Rates Mitigation
Ethical business rates mitigation, done properly
SpaceXchange places genuine charitable occupiers into vacant commercial property. The charity gains space it needs; the landlord's empty rates liability reduces from the point of occupation; the building stays available for sale, letting or redevelopment. Every placement is assessed, documented and managed by us.
In detail
What genuine charitable occupation involves
Business rates mitigation has a reputation problem, and much of it is deserved. Schemes built on nominal occupation, short-lived companies or storage of a few boxes were always fragile, and the Court of Appeal judgment of 29 July 2026 has made their weakness plain.
SpaceXchange takes a different approach. Our occupiers are registered charities carrying out real charitable activity in the space: administration, training, community services, the storage and distribution of donated goods. Each occupation is assessed, agreed and evidenced, and managed for as long as it lasts.
What a landlord receives
- An individual assessment of each property: size, location, logistics, condition and your own requirements
- A genuine charitable occupier matched to that property, confirmed with you before anything proceeds
- Occupation agreements and supporting documentation prepared for you
- Ongoing management of the occupation, with a single point of contact
- A planned exit on agreed terms when the property is sold, let or redeveloped
- Reportable social value for ESG, investor and stakeholder purposes
Property we can work with
| Offices | Single floors to whole buildings, including serviced and older stock |
| Retail and high street | Shops, showrooms and units on primary and secondary pitches |
| Industrial and warehouse | Storage, distribution and light industrial space |
| Mixed-use | Combined commercial, retail and ancillary space |
Common questions
How quickly can an occupation begin?
Once a property has been reviewed and a suitable charity identified, occupation can normally begin within weeks. Timescales depend on the property, its condition and the paperwork required, and we will give you a realistic estimate at the outset.
Does the charity pay rent?
Arrangements are structured around genuine charitable occupation rather than a commercial letting. We will explain the terms that apply to your property in the initial consultation.
What happens when we want the building back?
Every occupation is set up with a planned exit. When you sell, let or redevelop, the occupation ends on the agreed notice and the property is handed back ready for its next use.
Which areas do you cover?
We operate across England, with a particular focus on London and the South East.
Who is the charity partner?
We work with an established charity group with 30 years of experience placing charitable occupiers into commercial property. We will introduce the partner directly as part of the consultation process.
A complete service, from review to exit
Six connected services, delivered as one turnkey engagement.
Vacant property charity occupation
Placing genuine charitable occupiers into empty offices, retail units, industrial premises and mixed-use buildings across England.
Charity occupier matching
Identifying the right charitable occupier for each property, drawing on a partner network with 30 years of experience.
Property assessment and matching
Reviewing each property individually for size, location, logistics, condition and landlord requirements before any match is proposed.
Occupation agreements and documentation
Preparing the agreements and records that underpin a compliant, well-evidenced occupation from day one.
Ongoing occupation management
Managing the occupation throughout: compliance, communication, access and reporting, with a clean exit when required.
Landlord and occupier liaison
A single point of contact between your asset management team and the charity, so that nothing falls between the gaps.
Book a confidential consultation
Tell us about the property or portfolio and we will come back with an initial view. Confidential, without obligation, and focused on your requirements.
Ethical business rates mitigation for vacant commercial property across London, the South East and England.
SpaceXchange Ltd
71-75 Shelton Street
London WC2H 9JQ
United Kingdom