Every 3 years, the Valuation Office Agency (VOA) reviews and updates the rateable values of over 2 million commercial properties in England and Wales. This is called a revaluation, and it helps make sure business rates reflect changes in the property market.
A rateable value is an estimate of the annual rent your property could have been let for on a specific date; however, it is not the same as the rent you pay. Rateable values can vary due to factors such as size, location, and property features.
The next revaluation will take effect from 1 April 2026. You can find more information about this on the GOV.uk website.
Impact on businesses
We use rateable values to calculate business rates bills. When a revaluation happens, your bill may go up, down, or stay the same. Even if your rateable value increases, it doesn’t mean your bill will rise by the same amount.
From April 2026, the government will introduce 2 lower multipliers for businesses in retail, hospitality, and leisure.
We will decide which businesses qualify, following government guidance.
Finding your rateable value
You can check your property’s current and future rateable value using the VOA’s Find a business rates valuation service on the GOV.UK website.
This service lets you:
- view the details the VOA holds for your property
- compare your property’s rateable value with similar properties nearby
- get an estimate of your business rates bill from 1 April 2026
The estimate given is for guidance only and may not include any relief you could be eligible for.
Contacting the Valuation Office Agency
Your local council is responsible for your business rates bill, including applying any relief you may be entitled to.
The Valuation Office Agency (VOA) is responsible for valuing your property. If you have questions about your property’s rateable value, you should contact the VOA.
What to do if you think your valuation is incorrect
If you believe your valuation is wrong or need to update property details (such as floor area or parking), you’ll need a business rates valuation account.
You cannot challenge your 2026 valuation until 1 April 2026. Before then, you can update property details or raise a Check against your current valuation using your valuation account.
Changes to your current valuation may increase or decrease your rateable value and could affect your future valuation from 1 April 2026.You have until 31 March 2026 to request changes to your current valuation. After 1 April 2026, you can only make changes to your new valuation.
Working with a business rates agent
You can manage your business rates yourself. If you want to appoint an agent, the VOA has published guidance on how to choose a business rates agent.
If you decide to authorise an agent to act on your behalf, you can appoint one using a business rates valuation account.