Rateable value

Your rateable value

All non-domestic properties have a rateable value, which is set and maintained by the Valuation Office Agency (VOA). This value is based on the market rent that could be achieved for the property at a given date. A revaluation of this amount takes place every three to five years, with 2023 Business Rate Bills being based on the 2023 revaluation by the VOA. A revaluation is intended to ensure rateable values reflect changes in the property market and rental values, including the impact of Covid19. 

You can check your current rateable value on the VOA website. More information about rateable values is also available on GOV.UK.

All non-domestic property is re-valued every three to five year. However, the rateable value may also change if any physical changes are made to your property, for example, building or demolishing an extension. Therefore, such changes must be reported to us immediately.

As owner, or chargepayer, you also have the right to appeal to the VOA against the rateable value of your property, if you believe it is incorrect.

When and how to appeal

If you disagree with the rateable value that appears in the current rating list entry for your property, you may challenge it by contacting your local Valuation Office. 

Please note: You must continue to pay your Business Rates as billed while your appeal is being considered. If your appeal is successful, the VOA will automatically notify us so that we can update your account:

• Any overpayment for a previous tax year can be refunded to you.
• Any overpayment for the current tax year will result in your bill being adjusted and re-issued.

An appeal to the VOA against a rateable value begins with a proposal to alter the rating list. Before making an appeal, you should contact your local Valuation Office to discuss your rateable value and why you want to appeal against it. They may be able to resolve things without you needing to go through the formal appeal procedure.

Check and challenge your business rates valuation

The contact details for your local Valuation Office are:

Tel: 03000 501 501
Email: ratinglondon@voa.gsi.gov.uk

If you are enquiring on behalf of someone who does not have internet access, the VOA can also be contacted at:

Valuation Office Agency
Durham Customer Service Centre
Wycliffe House
Green Lane
Durham
DH1 3UW

Rating Advisers

Ratepayers do not have to be represented in discussions about their rateable value or their rates bill, and appeals against rateable values are free of charge. However, should you wish to be represented, you should beware of business rates scams.

You can find out more about how to identify business rates scams and what you can do to avoid them on the GOV.UK website.

Members of the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors and the Institute of Revenues, Rating and Valuation are qualified and regulated by rules of professional conduct designed to protect the public.