Are temporary buildings rateable? What you need to know

When investing in a new facility—whether it’s a hangar, warehouse, or workshop—business rates are a key cost consideration. But how are these rates applied to temporary or semi-permanent buildings like ours?

Some providers suggest their structures are exempt from business rates due to being freestanding or portable. Rubb buildings are engineered for performance. Not freestanding, not disposable, and designed to meet long-term operational needs.

So, how does this affect their rateability?

Are Rubb buildings rateable?

In many cases, yes. Business rates in the UK apply to most buildings used for commercial purposes, regardless of whether they’re permanent or temporary. That said, rateability is ultimately assessed by the Valuation Office Agency (VOA), based on how the building is used, how long it’s in place, and how it’s constructed.

Rubb buildings are:

• Anchored to foundations or groundworks
• Fully engineered to meet wind and snow load requirements
• Designed for durability, with many in service for decades

Because of this, they are generally considered rateable structures—but there can still be significant advantages when compared with traditional buildings.

A Rubb building may still attract lower rates

Although Rubb buildings are not freestanding, they are still relocatable and designed for efficient installation and demounting. These features may reduce their assessed rateable value compared to a conventional building of similar size, particularly if:

• The structure is in use for a defined, temporary period
• It is not connected to all permanent services (e.g. electricity, water, drainage)
• The use is for a non-commercial or seasonal activity
• The building’s presence does not materially enhance the land’s long-term value

In practice, many Rubb buildings have received reduced business rate assessments compared to traditional steel or brick-built alternatives, typically due to their demountable nature and the intended temporary or semi-permanent usage outlined at the planning stage.

The VOA may take these factors into account when determining business rates, leading to lower rateable values and reduced ongoing costs for the client.

Community and sports use: rate relief options

If a Rubb building is used by a charity, not-for-profit group, or Community Amateur Sports Club (CASC), it may qualify for business rates relief. These organisations can often receive:

• 80% mandatory relief (for charities or CASCs)
• Up to 100% discretionary relief, depending on the local authority

So while the building may still be rateable, the actual rates payable could be minimal or zero.

Rubb vs. ‘freestanding’ temporary buildings

Some temporary building providers describe their structures as freestanding and non-rateable. This often reflects short-term, low-load designs that don’t offer the strength, safety, or longevity of a Rubb solution.

By contrast, a Rubb building is:

• Permanently anchored, not freestanding
• Built to BS EN standards for structural loads
• Capable of supporting overhead cranes, HVAC systems, and Thermohall® insulation
• Often used for decades, even if originally installed for a short-term purpose

While our buildings are typically rateable, they offer far greater operational value, lifespan, and return on investment.

Case by case

Business rates are assessed individually by the VOA, based on site-specific factors like use, duration, and construction. While a Rubb building may not be exempt, its rateable value can still be favourable—especially when compared with conventional builds.

We recommend consulting a business rates advisor or your local authority when planning your project, and we’re happy to support that conversation with detailed building specifications.

Rubb structures offer fast deployment, robust performance, and long-term value. If you’re assessing the cost of a new building—including business rates—reach out to our team for a chat.