What a fair rateable value is worth to a business
Every property has its own story, but the pattern repeats. A valuation nobody questioned, a bill that quietly went out year after year, and a saving sitting inside it waiting to be claimed. Here is what that has meant for businesses we have worked with, in their own words.
Retail shop
Steven ClarkOne property, one outcome. What that is worth each year depends on your multiplier and any relief you qualify for.
- RICS qualified surveyors
- IRRV members
- Federation of Small Businesses
- Appeals handled nationwide
A sample of what clients have recovered
£19,000
Paid back to one client, on bills going back three years
£16,000
Recovered for another, alongside a reduced ongoing bill
6 sites
Reviewed for one operator, with savings achieved on all of them
2017
How far one backdated claim reached, after two other firms had failed
Businesses who asked us to take a second look
These are commercial occupiers who assumed their bill was simply what it was.
Start to finish
“Great service from start to finish. Elaine and team were professional, knowledgeable, and made the whole process of reducing our business rates simple and stress-free. They kept us informed throughout and delivered exactly what they promised.”
- Business rates appeal
Short turnaround
“Helped us get a great rebate in a very short turn around. Elaine was great. Would recommend to other business owners.”
- Backdated claim
Before the appeal began
“The charges for the Appeal service were explained clearly and the complete Appeal process was handled with excellent service through the process. I would recommend Get Your Rates Right for the Business Rates Appeal.”
- How we charge
After other firms had not
“After a number of poor experiences with other companies offering to potentially reduce your business rates, Get Your Rates Right performed exactly as they said they would and fulfilled their promises. Responsive throughout the process and helpful at every stage.”
- Why us
Recovered, plus a lower bill
“It took a while but got back over £16,000 and reduced rates.”
- Backdated claim
Rateable value reduced
“Reduced the rateable value of our shop from £26,750 to £21,500 and it may go down further. Property now more saleable, lettable and valuable as a result. A very good experience, fully recommend if you feel your property rates are too high. Good communication throughout.”
- Check and challenge
Savings achieved on every one
“Very happy with the service and communication thus far. We had 6 locations reviewed and savings achieved on all of them, coupled with nice rebates, one dating back 4 years. The assessor was very friendly and knowledgeable.”
- Portfolio review
Backdated to 2017
“Get your rates right got our rates right and have saved my company over £5k pa by successfully applying for a reduction in the rateable value, that now means that we qualify for small business relief, all back dated to 2017. This was after 2 other companies had failed. First class and very efficient service.”
- Business rates appeal
Paid into the business account
“Initially apprehensive, but aware of the upcoming deadline, I took the plunge and appointed GYRR to have a look at my NDR bills since taking over new premises three years ago. The result? £19K hit my business bank account this morning.”
- Backdated claim
What our clients say
How the work actually goes
Two cases in more detail. The situations are common ones, so you may recognise your own in them.
A reduction that also unlocked small business rate relief
The situation
The company had already approached two other firms about its rateable value and neither had achieved anything. The assessment stayed where it was and the bill kept arriving.
The result
Over £5,000 saved a year Backdated to 2017
The lower rateable value also took the property under the small business rate relief threshold, so the saving compounds rather than sitting flat.
Six locations reviewed together rather than one at a time
The situation
A multi site operator had six trading locations, each with its own assessment and none of them ever questioned. Nobody internally had the time or the rating knowledge to look at them properly.
The result
Savings on all six sites Plus rebates, one going back four years
Reviewing the portfolio in one exercise meant a single conversation and a single set of paperwork rather than six.
Fair questions about results like these
Will I get a saving like the ones on this page?
Possibly, and possibly not. These are real outcomes for the businesses named, but every property is valued on its own merits, so nobody can promise you the same. What we can tell you quickly is whether your assessment looks worth challenging, and if it does not, we will say so.
Can you guarantee my rates will come down?
No, and you should be wary of anyone who does. We only take a case forward when the evidence supports it. It is also worth knowing that if there are changes to your property we are not told about, such as an extension or an improvement, the Valuation Office could in some cases increase the rateable value.
What does it cost, and when do I pay?
Placeholder. Paul to confirm the exact wording. This question needs answering plainly on the page, including whether anything is payable before the work starts and how any success fee is calculated. Being vague here is what generates the complaints, and clients who had the charges explained properly up front are the ones who say so in their reviews.
How long does it take?
Longer than anyone would like, and we would rather be straight with you about that. Once a case is with the Valuation Office it moves at their pace, not ours, and some cases run well over a year. What we can control is keeping you posted, so you will hear from us as your case moves rather than having to ask.
How far back can a claim go?
It depends on the type of claim. Relief can generally be backdated up to six years from the date you apply, while a successful challenge to your rateable value is normally backdated to the start of the current rating list or the date the error began. We will tell you which applies to you.
Find out what your assessment should be
Send us your property details and one of our RICS and IRRV qualified surveyors will tell you whether your rateable value looks right. There is no obligation and no hard sell.