Business rates revaluation
What is revaluation?
Revaluation is a review of the rateable values of all non-domestic properties in England and Wales carried out by the Valuation Office Agency (VOA). This normally happens every 3 years.
How do you value a property?
The VOA values a property by its rateable value. Rateable values are the amount of rent a property could have been let for on a set valuation date. For the 2026 revaluation, that date is 1 April 2024.
How is my rateable value calculated?
In order to calculate the rateable value, the VOA analyses the rental property market to ensure that rateable values reflect the property market accurately.
What is the valuation date for Revaluation 2026?
The antecedent valuation date (AVD) for revaluation 2026 is 1 April 2024.
Who decides on the valuation date?
The government decides on the valuation date. It usually sets this around 2 years before a revaluation to allow time for data collection and analysis.
How is my business rates bill calculated?
Your business rates bill is calculated by taking your rateable value and multiplying this by a value known as a multiplier. This is set by the UK Government in England and the Welsh Government in Wales.
As your local council, we use these rateable values to calculate business rates bills.
At a revaluation, business rates bills may increase, decrease or stay the same. A rise in your rateable value does not necessarily mean your business rates bill will increase by a similar amount.
How can I check my new rateable value or bill?
You can view your property's current and future rateable value through the VOA’s Find a Business Rates Valuation Service on GOV.UK. You can use this service to see the details the VOA holds for your property and compare your property’s rateable value with similar properties in the area.
You can also get an estimate of your business rates bill from 1 April 2026, but this is an indication only and may not take into account any relief you might be eligible for. You will receive your confirmed new bill in March 2026.
Who do I contact if my property has changed?
If a property has changed, for example its floor sizes are different, then you can let the VOA know now using a Business Rates valuation account.
Who do I contact if my rateable value is too high?
If you believe your future rateable value is too high, you can get in touch with the VOA using a Business Rates valuation account. You can only challenge your 2026 valuation after 1 April 2026, which is the point at which the new rating list legally takes effect.
While you can’t challenge your 2026 valuation until 1 April 2026, you can update the details the VOA holds about your property or tell them if you think your valuation is wrong by raising a check against your current valuation using your business rates valuation account.
You have until 31 March 2026 to request any changes to your current rateable value using your business rates valuation account. After 1 April 2026 you will only be able to make changes to your new valuation.
You must continue to make payments of your business rates as normal until a decision has been made. If you do overpay, any refund due will be calculated and issued by your local council.
Why do similar properties have different rateable values?
When calculating a rateable value, the VOA considers how much a property could be let for, on a set date. The rateable value of properties can vary for a number of reasons like size or location.
What business rates relief is available?
There are several types of business rates relief for customers. You can find further information on GOV.UK and on our reductions and reliefs page.
Some reliefs are applied automatically and some you need to apply for. You should never have to pay anyone to apply for a relief.
What if I want to use an agent?
You can manage your business rates yourself. If you want to appoint an agent, the VOA has published information about how to choose a business rates agent.
If you want to authorise an agent to act on your behalf, you can appoint one using a Business Rates valuation account.
Retail, hospitality and leisure multipliers from April 2026
In England, from April 2026, the government will create two additional, lower multipliers for retail, hospitality and leisure businesses. Local councils will be responsible for deciding which businesses are eligible, in line with the government guidance on Business Rates multipliers.
Who to contact – the council or the Valuation Office Agency?
As your local council, we are responsible for anything to do with your business rates bill including applying any relief you might be eligible for.
The VOA is responsible for the valuation of your property. You should contact the VOA with any questions about your property’s rateable value.
Help with the 2026 business rates revaluation
If you need more information or guidance, please refer to the VOA’s help with the 2026 business rates revaluation on GOV.UK.