How to officially find out, challenge and appeal your shop's business rate valuation

Independent retailers can easily check their shop’s business rates valuation through the VOA and ensure the details are correct. With a simple online account, you can review, plan ahead, and even challenge your valuation before the deadline.

Business rates are a significant cost for independent retailers, and making sure your shop’s rateable value is accurate is essential. The Valuation Office Agency (VOA) regularly reviews and updates property valuations, which local councils then use to calculate business rates bills.

By checking your valuation, keeping your property details up to date, and knowing how to challenge a decision if necessary, you can ensure you’re paying the correct amount and plan ahead for future changes.

How to check your property valuation

1.  Set up a Business Rates Valuation Account

Create an account with the Valuation Office Agency (VOA). This lets you:

• View the rateable value assigned to your property
• Check the property details the VOA holds (e.g. size, location)
• See how the valuation was worked out

You'll need a Government Gateway ID to do this. If you don't have one, the portal allows you to create one as part of the process.

2.  Monitor upcoming revaluations

The VOA updates rateable values for all business properties every three years, using market rental values as of a fixed “valuation date”. The next revaluation becomes effective 1 April 2026, using data as at 1 April 2024.

3.    Get advance notice

The VOA will publish future rateable values a few months before they take effect. This gives you time to review the valuation and anticipate changes to your future rates bill.

What to do if you believe your valuation is wrong

1.  Check your property details

Use your valuation account to verify the facts the VOA holds—such as property size, usage, and other relevant attributes. Incorrect or out-of-date information can lead to inflated valuations.

2.  Submit a proposal / challenge

If you think the valuation is incorrect, you can contact the VOA to request a review (often called a “proposal”). For this cycle, you must challenge by the deadline of 31 March 2026.

3.  Understand the distinction between valuation and bill

The rateable value is what the VOA sets for your property. Your actual business rates bill is calculated by your local council, by multiplying that rateable value by a “multiplier” and then subtracting any reliefs you are eligible for (e.g. small business relief).

Why should you check your rateable business rates value in advance?

• Enables proactive budgeting — knowing your future rates cost lets you plan ahead.
• Ensures you are fairly assessed — you won't be over-paying if the VOA’s records are out of date or incorrect.
• Gives time to lodge a challenge in the current revaluation cycle before deadlines pass.

Key dates to note

• Valuation date for revaluation: 1 April 2024
• Effective date for new rateable values: 1 April 2026
• Deadline to challenge the valuation: 31 March 2026

Action checklist for your shop

• Register for a Business Rates Valuation Account
• Review and confirm your property’s details with VOA
• Estimate what your new bill might be (using published multipliers & reliefs)
• If needed, submit a challenge by 31 March 2026