Business rates appeal - Do it yourself?

[Ben Treanor]

Hi, we're competing on a commercial property which is currently a day nursery, but we have been granted a change of use to standard offices. I'm pretty confident that if we appeal the current rates that we can get them down, based on looking at similar properties in the area. I wanted to know if appealing the business rates is something anyone can do, or would you recommend that you seek help from a professional? I understand that with appealing business rates, there is a chance that the rates could go up.

 

[kulture]

I think you have covered all the basic points. Yes you can do it yourself. Yes it can go up as well as down. Yes it is useful to compare with similar properties in the area.

The big caveat is that an expert can tell you what else is relevant, what difference your exact location may make, whether there are other features in the property that may affect the RV. They could also be on hand if the VO sends round an inspector and can argue with them about any particular individual aspects.

Once I had a shop and appealed. The inspector called and my expert pointed out a couple of steps half way in the shop. This he persuaded the VO inspector made it inconvenient for shoppers to go further. They agreed to end zone A a few feet earlier than normal. This took several thousands off my RV (It was a wide shop). I would never have known to do this.

 

[Owesdr]

If you dont have much experience in this area, then I would certainly recommend to consult a professional. It might be that he or she can advise you on some better options for you. They will charge fees, but at the same time, they can sometimes save you money and time