Business Rates Valuation

[raz0rlite]

We have recently moved into new premises (warehouse & offices) with a rateable value of £17,000.

The previous tenants used the space differently to us (well it was actually a Cannabis factory, but that's a different story!) and we are using most of the offices for product storage rather than as offices. We are also subletting a mezzanine office to help with the rent costs.

We need to look at a rate revaluation, but it seems like a complete minefield. Can anyone recommend a company that can do it on our behalf or should we attempt to do it ourselves? Do the VOA frown upon third party companies getting involved?

 

[Paul9]

When I needed similar doing I just spoke to the VOA and they sent somebody out, it was a pretty simple process

 

[anonuk]

We have recently moved into new premises (warehouse & offices) with a rateable value of £17,000.

The previous tenants used the space differently to us (well it was actually a Cannabis factory, but that's a different story!) and we are using most of the offices for product storage rather than as offices. We are also subletting a mezzanine office to help with the rent costs.

We need to look at a rate revaluation, but it seems like a complete minefield. Can anyone recommend a company that can do it on our behalf or should we attempt to do it ourselves? Do the VOA frown upon third party companies getting involved?

To be honest, if you're hoping to reduce your valuation to get under the threshold for SBRR you're going to be disappointed when the new rateable values kick in next year. Our unit is currently £13,500 but going up to £19,000 in April meaning we lose all entitlement to SBRR.

To answer your question though, I don't think VOA will reclassify the office space as storage. Your only possible option would be to see if you can split the mezzanine to its own business rates bill but there are very specific requirements (I think one being it has to have it's own entrance).

 

[Paul Kelly ICHYB]

Are the mezzanine office physically attached to the building or free-standing?