Starting Out Charity: The Ethical, Proven Cost-Saving Solution for Empty Commercial Property

Since 1997, Starting Out has partnered with commercial property owners across London and the UK, providing simple, ethical, and effective solutions for vacant property management.

Our extensive experience with the property sector comes from a genuine need for large spaces to support our charitable initiatives. From providing workspaces to distributing resources and delivering practical education programs, our mission creates an ongoing demand for space. We also work with a proven network of third-party charities, which we bring together to create hubs in some of the larger spaces we care for. Over the years, we’ve successfully collaborated with major landlords, developers, and independent property owners to offer a seamless, mutually beneficial vacant commercial property solution.

If your empty property is costing you more than you’d like, we can help you save money while putting it to good use. As a UK-registered charity, we receive a business rates reduction when using commercial properties for our work. This allows us to pass savings directly to you—offering a risk-free, flexible arrangement from as little as three months to several years for properties ranging from 1,000 sq ft to 100,000+ sq ft. It’s that simple.

The Challenges of Vacant Commercial Property

The property sector can be unpredictable—sales, redevelopment, and rentals can stall and suddenly accelerate. While your building stands empty, there will be access needs, surveys, regulatory hurdles, concerned neighbours, councillors and more.

At Starting Out, we understand the challenges; we have over twenty-seven years of experience to draw on. We build one-to-one enduring relationships that are sensitive to the specific needs of each site. When we take on your empty property, we appreciate that you might not know when you’ll need it back, but when the time comes, it’s essential that there are no issues or delays.

We understand what’s important—and we’re here to help. Our team communicates clearly, acts fast, and delivers on time, every time.

Here’s how our charity use of your empty building will effectively, ethically, and effortlessly tackle three of the main issues facing your empty property:

1. High Business Rates

The reality is that even when your property is vacant, you’re still responsible for business rates. However, charity occupation can significantly reduce those costs for you.

Over the years, various mitigation schemes, both slick and cunning, have come and gone. Many of today’s so-called ‘legally innovative’ solutions are being challenged in the courts, as local councils have up to six years to challenge a mitigated rates bill, and several owners will be landed with hefty bills years after the fact. Charity occupation, on the other hand, isn’t a new concept, it’s been around for over thirty years. It remains a proven, ethical, and effective way to lower business rates.

2. Security

Padlocks and CCTV don’t always deter squatters and vandals, and hiring security companies can be costly in the long run. Charity occupation provides security at no cost, keeping your property safe and ready for use when you need it.

For larger sites, we install 24/7 security when necessary, ensuring your asset is as protected as possible.

3. Deterioration from lack of use

Vacant commercial properties often suffer from a lack of regular upkeep, leading to a range of costly maintenance issues. Without consistent use, essential systems like plumbing, heating, and ventilation can deteriorate, resulting in damp, mold, and pest infestations.

These problems not only increase repair costs over time but can also compromise the structural integrity and appeal of the property.

Vacant Property Solutions

Empty properties are costly, complex, and require careful management—you need a knowledgeable partner to maximise value and avoid problems.

We provide tailored vacant property management services to reduce costs, minimise risks, and unlock new opportunities for landlords by offering strategic, hands-on support to UK landlords, especially in London.