VacatAd provides a plug‑and‑play hardware and cloud platform that creates verifiable beneficial occupation for vacant commercial properties, automatically generating the evidence needed to claim empty‑property rates relief. The system offers real‑time occupancy monitoring, compliance reporting for the Valuation Office Agency, and a free local advertising service that turns empty shop windows into promotional space.
Funding
Funding not disclosed
Founders
Product
Problem
Landlords and local councils often incur high business rates on empty commercial properties, but obtaining rates relief requires proving beneficial occupation, a process that is legally complex, time‑consuming, and prone to compliance errors.
Solution
VacatAd offers a plug‑and‑play technology platform that creates genuine beneficial occupation for vacant premises, enabling owners to claim empty‑property rates relief automatically. The system installs a secure, low‑impact device that monitors occupancy and generates documented evidence required by the Valuation Office Agency. Live status updates and a cloud dashboard provide continuous compliance verification, while the rapid deployment—typically under a week—minimises disruption to property plans. By aligning with planning and local authority expectations, the solution reduces vacant holding costs and delivers transparent pricing. Additionally, VacatAd leverages the occupied windows for free local business advertising, adding community value.
Target Audience
Primary customers are commercial property owners, landlords, asset managers, and local councils responsible for managing vacant commercial spaces, as well as property consultants and advisors who facilitate rates relief.
Features
- Secure, plug‑and‑play hardware stack that records and validates beneficial occupation without altering the property
- Automated compliance reporting with continuous monitoring and downloadable evidence for VOA inspections
- Real‑time dashboard delivering live status updates, occupancy logs, and relief cycle analytics
- Rapid installation process (under 7 days) with minimal disruption to existing property use or planning
- Integrated free advertising program that converts empty shop windows into high‑visibility local business promotions
- Compatibility with the 2026/27 five‑tier multiplier system and transitional relief calculations via an online rates calculator