Case study:

Self-Storage Facility | Kent

Specialising in providing secure and flexible storage solutions for both individuals and businesses, catering to a range of needs, including household items, business inventory and equipment storage.

KEY
FACTS

9%
REDUCTION

BASED IN
KENT

BACKDATED
SAVINGS
TO 1ST APRIL 2023

The Client

Our client operates a self-storage facility located at St Barnabas Close. Their premises consist of multiple units that provide secure storage solutions for individuals and businesses.

The facility plays a crucial role in their operations, offering flexible storage options and ensuring efficient space management for their customers. Given the financial impact of business rates, securing an accurate valuation was essential.

The Problem

During our inspection, we discovered that the property had been incorrectly assessed under two separate valuations by the Valuation Office Agency (VOA). The assessments had been split in 2013 when a separate business occupied the first-floor office within Unit A.

However, this tenant had since vacated, and the entire premises were now solely occupied by our client. Despite this, the VOA had not updated its records, meaning the assessments remained separate, leading to an inflated business rates liability.

The Solution

To correct this issue, RVA Surveyors conducted a comprehensive on-site inspection and submitted a request to ‘Merge‘ under the Check, Challenge, Appeal (CCA) process the two assessments into a single valuation. This reflected the true occupancy of the property and ensured the valuation was based on its current use.

By demonstrating that the original reason for the split was no longer valid, we provided clear evidence to support our case. The VOA accepted our submission, merging the assessments and applying a revised valuation. As a result, the combined Rateable Value (RV) was reduced from £47,850 to £44,750.

The Outcome

This successful reassessment led to a lower business rates liability for our client, reducing unnecessary costs. By securing a fair and accurate valuation, we prevented overpayments and ensured future assessments reflected the true use of the property.

These savings allow the client to reinvest in their business and continue providing high-quality storage solutions without the burden of inflated rates.

Savings achieved: £4,941 

Surveyor comment

“Merging the two assessments was a straightforward but crucial step in ensuring our client’s business rates accurately reflected their current occupation.”