If you’ve converted a commercial unit from a shop to an office, subdivided a large property into smaller units, or adapted a building for new operational use, you may need to request a revaluation due to change of use in your commercial property.
The rateable value (RV), which determines your business rates liability, is based on the property's use, layout, and rental value. A material change of use often requires an updated assessment by the Valuation Office Agency (VOA) to ensure your business rates are correct and legally compliant.
At Fraser Bond, we work with landlords, developers, and asset managers across London and the UK to manage business rates reviews, appeals, and revaluations following change of use events.
A change of use refers to a situation where the function or classification of a commercial property changes. This may result in a different rateable value and may affect how much business rates are payable.
Retail unit converted to office, storage, or medical use
Industrial unit adapted for leisure or trade counter use
Subdivision of a large unit into smaller tenancies
Change from commercial to part-residential or mixed-use
Vacant units brought back into different commercial use
The VOA must be notified of such changes so the rating list entry can be updated. If not, landlords risk overpaying—or being subject to retrospective reassessment with penalties or arrears.
The VOA operates a formal “Check, Challenge, Appeal” (CCA) process, where the first step is a Check to review the property’s current data.
Log in to the VOA’s online portal: www.gov.uk/voa
Submit a “Check” – update property use, layout, or occupation status
Provide supporting documentation:
Planning permission or change of use approval
New lease or occupation details
Floorplans, photos, or use-specific plans
Once processed, the VOA may issue a new rateable value and backdate it to the effective date of the change.
Depending on the new use class and location, your RV may increase or decrease. For example:
Retail to storage or light industrial: RV may decrease
Office to showroom or clinic: RV may increase depending on comparables
Multi-tenant subdivision: May result in separate entries and reduced liability per unit
A change in use may also affect your eligibility for relief schemes, such as:
Small Business Rates Relief (SBRR)
Empty property relief (if the new use is temporarily unoccupied)
Charitable or discretionary relief (for qualifying non-profits)
Fraser Bond supports commercial property owners and developers with rateable value reviews and appeals, especially after planning changes, redevelopments, or leasing adjustments.
We help you:
Determine if revaluation is necessary
Prepare and submit VOA Check and Challenge requests
Provide valuation comparables and usage documentation
Negotiate fair RVs through professional rating surveyors
Secure backdated reliefs or refunds if overpayment occurred
Our advisors work across all London boroughs and regional councils, delivering strategic business rates solutions that align with your property’s operational and investment goals.
Have you changed the use of a commercial property? Don’t risk incorrect billing. A revaluation may lower your business rates and reflect your property’s true usage.
Contact the experts at FraserBond.com to request a rateable value review, or speak to our business rates team about revaluation and relief strategy.
