For landlords and tenants, we cover all aspects of rating, from reviewing and challenging rateable values, managing rates payments and offering advice on vacant space or space that is undergoing works.
We cover a wide range of sectors including industrial, office and retail premises as well as properties that are not conventionally valued. Our rating team has a complete understanding of all aspects of the rating process as well as extensive experience working with business rates legislation and local authorities, which has resulted in considerable savings for our clients.
We not only look at the accuracy of rateable values, but we also offer advice on the many reliefs and exemptions contained within the business rates legislation that only local authorities have the power to award. Furthermore, we can scrutinise your current and historical rating liability to ensure that you have not been overcharged and claim back any refunds due.
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Q. How is my rateable value calculated?
A. A property’s rateable value is based upon an assessment of the annual rent in which the property would have been let in the open market, based on certain assumptions at the antecedent valuation date. For the 2023 Rating List, the date is 1 April 2021.
Q. How are my business rates calculated?
A. The rateable value of your property is multiplied by the Uniform Business Rate, also known as the multiplier, which is set annually by Central Government. In 2023/2024 this is £0.512, meaning you pay 51.2 Pence in the Pound against your property’s rateable value.
Q. How can I appeal my rateable value?
A. The Valuation Office Agency has a three-stage process known as ‘Check, Challenge, Appeal’. At the ‘Check’ stage, we can correct any factual information which is incorrectly held by the VOA, for example, it may be that the size of the property shown in the rating list is too large, or the property has been split or merged together, resulting in an inaccurate rateable value being shown in the rating list. At the second stage, known as ‘Challenge’, we can formally challenge the accuracy of the rateable value, using our expertise to negotiate with the Valuation Officer to reduce the property’s rateable value. At the final stage of the process, known as ‘Appeal’, we can take the matter before the Valuation Tribunal on your behalf, where it has not been possible to agree with the Valuation Officer through negotiation.
The Business Rates team at Innes England comprises highly skilled professionals, each bringing a wealth of experience and expertise in commercial property. Renowned for their market insights and extensive network, which they leverage to provide the best outcomes for our clients. Please get in touch with them to discuss your needs:
DIRECTOR | PROFESSIONAL SERVICES
DIRECTOR | PROFESSIONAL SERVICES | HEAD OF BIRMINGHAM OFFICE
ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR | PROFESSIONAL SERVICES
Explore our case studies to see how Innes England’s expertise has successfully guided clients across various sectors in the property market.
The Challenge: Innes England was instructed to sell this prime 90-bed student investment, featuring a mix of studios and 2, 3, and 4-bed cluster apartments, as well as ground-floor commercial units. Located in the heart of Leicester, this development offers students excellent access to De Montfort University and Leicester’s wide range of retail and leisure amenities.
The Challenge: Innes England opened its Birmingham office in April 2022 to establish a stronger foothold in the West Midlands commercial property market. While the company had an existing presence in the region, a dedicated office was needed to better serve clients, secure key instructions, and expand valuation, agency, and asset management services. The challenge was to compete in a fast-moving market, attract new clients, and demonstrate tangible value to landlords, developers, investors and financial institutions.