Rating Appeal Process
If you suspect your Rateable Value may be too high or are unsure whether it is correct, we would advise that you instruct a Chartered Surveyor who specialises in Business Rates such as Whitestone Commercial.
What does VOA stand for?
VOA is the Valuation Office Agency. The VOA are the government body responsible for setting your Rateable Value and therefore your rates to be paid.
What is the first step?
Just a phone call or an email to us. We will take details of the premises to find the history behind your assessment. We will review the details to determine whether to go ahead, as it is important to only put an appeal in, if we feel there is a possibility of a reduction.
How much of my time will it take?
Very little! If you have instructed us, then we are here to do the work for you. We ask only that you provide the address and details of the property. If the premises are being rented, we will also need this information. We need to be able to have access to the premises in order to carry out a survey, however you are not required to be on site for this. We like to keep the process hassle-free.
What happens during a survey of the premises?
Our Chartered Surveyor will need access in order to carry out a full measured survey. He will be measuring, photographing and assessing the areas, looking for changes to the property such as add ons and renovations, as well as looking for any improvements. This can take from 1 hour to half a day, depending on the size of the premises.
From Instruction to Appeal
Once you instruct Whitestone Commercial, we begin by gathering evidence and inspecting the premises (if needed). We then prepare and submit a “Check” to the Valuation Office Agency (VOA), which is a formal review of the current Rateable Value (RV). If the VOA accepts the Check, we move on to the “Challenge” stage — a detailed appeal supported by valuation evidence. From instruction to Challenge submission typically takes 4 to 8 weeks, depending on the complexity of the case and access to necessary information.
What happens after an appeal has been submitted?
After we submit a Challenge, the Valuation Office Agency (VOA) has up to 12 months to respond. In many cases, they reply sooner — sometimes within a few months — but they are entitled to take the full year. During this period, we remain in contact with the VOA to discuss the case, present further evidence if needed, and seek a negotiated agreement. If no agreement is reached within the 12 months, the case may be escalated to the Valuation Tribunal.
What happens if we disagree with the Valuation Office's decision?
Why do I need a Chartered Surveyor specialising in Business Rates?
A Rating Surveyor is there to build your case, using his knowledge and expertise to maximise your saving. He will negotiate with the VOA to reduce and settle your rateable value and in some instances may feel it necessary to take the case to valuation tribunal. This can be lengthy and complicated and requires sound knowledge of rating, as well as experience in a court room for the best outcome.
How long is the process from instructing Whitestone Commercial to settlement?
It can take 3 to 6 months after submitting an appeal for it to be placed into a programme. It then takes a further two months negotiating with the VOA. If the case is to go to valuation tribunal this can take a further 3 to 6 months. From settlement to receiving your rebate can take another 4 to 6 weeks. The good news is that any rebate is backdated!
What is the first step?
Just a phone call or an email to us. We will take details of the premises to find the history behind your assessment. We will review the details to determine whether to go ahead, as it is important to only put an appeal in, if we feel there is a possibility of a reduction.
How much of my time will it take?
Very little! If you have instructed us, then we are here to do the work for you. We ask only that you provide the address and details of the property. If the premises are being rented, we will also need this information. We need to be able to have access to the premises in order to carry out a survey, however you are not required to be on site for this. We like to keep the process hassle-free.
What happens during a survey of the premises?
Our Chartered Surveyor will need access in order to carry out a full measured survey. He will be measuring, photographing and assessing the areas, looking for changes to the property such as add ons and renovations, as well as looking for any improvements. This can take from 1 hour to half a day, depending on the size of the premises.
From Instruction to Appeal
Once you instruct Whitestone Commercial, we begin by gathering evidence and inspecting the premises (if needed). We then prepare and submit a “Check” to the Valuation Office Agency (VOA), which is a formal review of the current Rateable Value (RV). If the VOA accepts the Check, we move on to the “Challenge” stage — a detailed appeal supported by valuation evidence. From instruction to Challenge submission typically takes 4 to 8 weeks, depending on the complexity of the case and access to necessary information.
What happens after an appeal has been submitted?
After we submit a Challenge, the Valuation Office Agency (VOA) has up to 12 months to respond. In many cases, they reply sooner — sometimes within a few months — but they are entitled to take the full year. During this period, we remain in contact with the VOA to discuss the case, present further evidence if needed, and seek a negotiated agreement. If no agreement is reached within the 12 months, the case may be escalated to the Valuation Tribunal.
What happens if we disagree with the Valuation Office's decision?
If the Valuation Office Agency (VOA) issues a decision we consider incorrect or insufficient, we will review the reasoning and evidence provided in full. We will then:
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Advise you on your options based on the strength of your case and the VOA’s position.
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Prepare for escalation, if appropriate, by assembling a formal submission to the independent Valuation Tribunal.
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Keep you informed throughout, explaining what the VOA has said and how we propose to respond.
Our aim is to secure the fairest possible outcome, and we do not hesitate to escalate cases where the evidence supports a lower Rateable Value.
Why do I need a Chartered Surveyor specialising in Business Rates?
A Rating Surveyor is there to build your case, using his knowledge and expertise to maximise your saving. He will negotiate with the VOA to reduce and settle your rateable value and in some instances may feel it necessary to take the case to valuation tribunal. This can be lengthy and complicated and requires sound knowledge of rating, as well as experience in a court room for the best outcome.
How long is the process from instructing Whitestone Commercial to settlement?
It can take 3 to 6 months after submitting an appeal for it to be placed into a programme. It then takes a further two months negotiating with the VOA. If the case is to go to valuation tribunal this can take a further 3 to 6 months. From settlement to receiving your rebate can take another 4 to 6 weeks. The good news is that any rebate is backdated!