Rateable value and appeals
This page provides information on the rateable value of non-domestic properties and how to appeal against the valuation.
Apart from properties that are exempt from Business rates, each non-domestic property has a rateable value that is normally set by the valuation officers of the Valuation Office Agency (VOA), an executive agency of HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC)
It draws up and maintains a full list of all rateable values, available at the Valuation Office Agency website (opens in new window).
The rateable value of your property is shown on the front of your bill.
This broadly represents the yearly rent the property could have been let for on the open market on a particular date.
For the revaluation that came into effect on 1 April 2005, this date was set as 1 April 2003.
The valuation officer may alter the value if the circumstances of the property have changed.
The ratepayer (and certain others who have an interest in the property) can also appeal against the value shown in the list if they believe it is wrong.
Valuation Office
Further information about making appeals can be found on the VOA website or from your local valuation office:
The Valuation Office
Betchworth House
57-65 Station Road
Redhill
RH1 1QB
Telephone: 0845 6021507
Valuation Office Agency website (opens in new window
Successful appeals against values shown in the rating list that came into force on 1 April 2005 will normally be backdated to that date, although there are exceptions to this.
Further information about these arrangements may be found on the VOA website or by visiting Business rates (Business Link website).
Rating Advisers
Ratepayers do not have to be represented in discussions about their rateable value or their rates bill.
Appeals against rateable values can be made free of charge.
However, ratepayers who do wish to be represented should be aware that members of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (website) and the Institute of Revenues Rating and Valuation (website) are qualified and are regulated by rules of professional conduct designed to protect the public from misconduct.
Before you employ a rating adviser, you should check that they have the necessary knowledge and expertise, as well as appropriate indemnity insurance.
Take great care and, if necessary, seek further advice before entering into any contract.
Last updated : 12/10/2009
