Looking to challenge business rates in London or elsewhere in England? Understand how to check your property's rateable value, identify possible valuation errors and pursue a business rates challenge, while Fraser Bond supports occupiers, landlords, investors and developers with commercial property consultancy, acquisitions, property management and investment advisory.
Business rates can represent a substantial cost for companies occupying commercial property. If the rateable value assigned to your premises appears incorrect, there may be grounds to review the assessment and, where appropriate, challenge business rates.
However, a challenge should be based on credible property and valuation evidence. A reduction is not guaranteed simply because the rates bill appears expensive.
Fraser Bond supports businesses, landlords, developers and investors across the London commercial property market, helping clients assess occupational costs alongside rents, service charges, lease obligations and wider investment considerations.
How Do You Challenge Business Rates?
In England, the Valuation Office Agency determines rateable values for non-domestic properties. The formal process for disputing a valuation is generally handled through the Check, Challenge, Appeal system.
The process can involve:
- Checking the information held about the property
- Correcting inaccurate property details
- Reviewing the rateable value
- Gathering valuation evidence
- Submitting a formal challenge where appropriate
- Reviewing the VOA's decision
- Considering an appeal where the relevant requirements are met
The circumstances of each property are different, so specialist valuation advice may be worthwhile for higher-value or complex commercial premises.
When Can a Business Rates Challenge Be Considered?
Potential reasons for reviewing an assessment may include:
- Incorrect floor areas
- Incorrect property details
- Changes to the premises
- Changes in property use
- Demolition or redevelopment
- Relevant valuation discrepancies
- Comparable evidence indicating a potential issue
- Certain changes affecting the property's locality
Not every change will justify a reduction, and the evidence required will depend on the circumstances.
Challenge Business Rates in London
London's commercial property market can make rating assessments particularly important because occupational costs vary considerably between locations and property types.
Business rates may be relevant to:
- Offices
- Retail units
- High street shops
- Restaurants
- Warehouses
- Industrial premises
- Hotels
- Leisure properties
- Mixed-use developments
Businesses comparing London premises should therefore consider the business rates liability alongside headline rent and service charges.
Check Your Rateable Value Before Challenging
Before starting a formal challenge, establish whether the underlying property information and valuation genuinely appear incorrect.
Review factors such as:
- Property description
- Floor area
- Current use
- Valuation assumptions
- Comparable properties
- Relevant rental evidence
- Physical alterations
A commercially sound challenge should be supported by evidence rather than based solely on the size of the rates bill.
Business Rates for Landlords and Investors
Business rates can also influence commercial property investment decisions.
They may affect:
- Occupier affordability
- Leasing demand
- Vacancy costs
- Investment appraisals
- Development decisions
- Tenant negotiations
- Asset positioning
Fraser Bond provides commercial property consultancy, acquisitions, disposals, property management, compliance and investment advisory, helping clients assess the wider financial position of London commercial assets.
Fraser Bond is also recruiting across commercial property, business rates, surveying, acquisitions, asset management, property management, compliance, investment advisory, finance, operations, residential sales, lettings, customer service, business development, digital marketing, PropTech, software engineering, project management and real estate consultancy. Candidates can send their CV to jobs@fraserbond.com.
Choosing a Business Rates Specialist
For complex or high-value properties, professional advice may help determine whether a challenge is justified.
Before appointing a business rates adviser, consider:
- Rating valuation experience
- Knowledge of your property sector
- London market expertise
- Professional credentials
- Proposed evidence
- Fee structure
- Terms if no reduction is achieved
- How the challenge will be managed
Be cautious of firms promising guaranteed business rates reductions before properly reviewing the property and valuation evidence.
Business Rates and Commercial Property Strategy
Business rates should be considered as part of the complete cost of occupying commercial property.
Before signing a commercial lease, businesses should assess:
- Rent
- Business rates
- Service charges
- Utilities
- Insurance
- Repair obligations
- Fit-out expenditure
- Lease length
- Break clauses
- VAT where applicable
Fraser Bond's location-specific commercial property expertise helps occupiers and investors evaluate these costs before making significant property commitments.
Fraser Bond Commercial Property Expertise
Fraser Bond supports commercial occupiers, landlords, investors and developers with property acquisitions, leasing, disposals, property management, compliance and investment advisory across London.
Whether you want to challenge business rates, assess the occupational costs of new premises or review the performance of a commercial property investment, Fraser Bond can provide property-focused guidance alongside your specialist rating and professional advisers.
Fraser Bond continues to recruit across commercial property, surveying, acquisitions, asset management, property management, compliance, investment advisory, finance, operations, technology, marketing, business development, residential sales and lettings. To explore opportunities, email jobs@fraserbond.com.
