Vacancy Drag Calculator

The cost of an empty property
is bigger than you think.

Lost rent is only part of it. Most landlords have never added up the rates, insurance, maintenance and depreciation that compound quietly every month a commercial property stands empty. This calculator does the full maths.

"When you add up lost rent, business rates, insurance, maintenance and depreciation for a relatively modest commercial property (annual rent of £20,000, rateable value of £18,000, nine months vacant) the total cost of the void is over £22,000. And the meter is running at over £2,500 every single month it stays empty."

— from VOID, Chapter 6  ·  Steve Bell
Three inputs. Two minutes.
The Vacancy Drag Calculator

Enter your property details below. Results update automatically. Rateable value is needed for the full calculation — find yours at voa.gov.uk.

Annual Asking Rent
£
Rateable Value Find at voa.gov.uk →
£
Optional — required for the full calculation including rates, insurance and depreciation.
Months Empty So Far
Minimum 1 month.
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The five factors
1
What it isSize, configuration, use class. Is it fit for the occupier you need?
2
Where it isLocation is fixed. But positioning isn't.
3
PresentationPhysical condition and kerb appeal. First impressions kill interest before a viewing happens.
4
PriceOverpriced properties attract no one — and damage future interest the longer they sit.
5
MarketingNot portal presence. Proactive marketing — identifying likely occupiers and going to them directly.
This calculator provides estimates for illustrative purposes. Business rates calculations reflect standard empty property rules — the 3-month exemption may not apply to all property types including listed buildings and properties below £2,900 rateable value. Actual costs will vary depending on property type, location, insurance arrangements and market conditions.
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