Supply the Public Sector
Every three years the Valuation Office Agency (VOA) updates the rateable values of over 2 million commercial properties in England and Wales. This process reflects changes in the market and is known as a revaluation. The next revaluation will come into effect on 1 April 2026.
A rateable value is the amount of rent a property could have been let for on a set valuation date. For the 2026 revaluation, that date is 1 April 2024. Your rateable value isn’t the same as the rent you are paying on your property.
As your local council, we use these rateable values to calculate business rates bills.
At a revaluation, business rates bills may increase, decrease, or stay the same. A rise in your rateable value does not necessarily mean your business rates bill will increase by a similar amount.
Contacting the Valuation Office Agency
As your local council, we are responsible for anything to do with your business rates bill including adding any relief you might be eligible for.
The VOA is responsible for the valuation of your property. You should contact the VOA with any questions about your property’s rateable value.
Finding your rateable value
You can now view your property’s current and new rateable value through the VOA’s find a business rates valuation service on GOV.UK. You can use this service to see the details the VOA holds for your property and compare your property’s rateable value with similar properties in the area.
What to do if you think your valuation is incorrect
If you think your valuation is wrong or want to make any changes to your property details (such as floor area sizes and parking) you will need a business rates valuation account.
You cannot formerly challenge your new valuation until 1 April. However, you can update the details the VOA has about your property or tell them if you think your valuation is wrong.
Any changes made to your current valuation could result in your rateable value going up or down. This may also affect your new valuation from 1 April 2026.
You have until 31 March to request any changes to your current valuation
You have until 31 March 2026 to request any changes to your current rateable value using your business rates valuation account. After 1 April 2026 you will only be able to make changes to your new valuation.
If you do not have an account or have not accessed one for some time, you should register now. It can take up to 15 working days to complete the verification process and claim your property.
Working with a business rates agent
You can manage your business rates yourself. If you want to appoint an agent, the VOA has published information about how to choose a business rates agent.
If you want to authorise an agent to act on your behalf, you can appoint one using a business rates valuation account. Get more information on everything you need to know about this revaluation on the VOA’s website.