Engineering consultancy and reduces business rates with RVA Surveyors
Case study:
Engineering Consultancy | South East
Specialise in structural design, analysis and temporary works design for various sectors, including commercial, public, and residential clients.
KEY
FACTS
FOUR MONTHS
ACHIEVED IN
£3,100
SAVINGS
Warehouse
PROPERTY TYPE
The Client
Located at Pipers Wood Industrial Park, Waterberry Drive, Waterlooville, the client is a specialist in precision engineering, supplying high-quality components to various industries. Their facility includes a combination of workshop space, office areas, and staff amenities.
Given the nature of their work, they understand the importance of accuracy, something that should also apply to their business rates valuation. Ensuring they were only being charged for the space they actually used was a key concern.
The Problem
The Valuation Office Agency (VOA’s) previous assessment had overestimated the total floor area of the property. Several structural elements were incorrectly included in the measured space, inflating the recorded size and leading to a high business rates valuation.
Additionally, non-usable areas, such as staff toilets, had been factored into the calculation despite not being part of the operational workspace. Due to these discrepancies, the client was paying more in business rates than they should have been.
The Solution
RVA Surveyors conducted a detailed inspection of the premises, carefully measuring each section to determine the correct floor area. The inspection confirmed that structural elements throughout the unit had been mistakenly included in the previous assessment, and the recorded size needed to be adjusted. Our measurements also ensured that non-operational spaces, such as the staff toilets, were excluded from the valuation.
With the revised figures verified, RVA submitted a ‘Check’ in the Check, Challenge, Appeal (CCA) process to the VOA, providing updated floor plans and a breakdown of the corrected areas. This evidence clearly demonstrated the discrepancies in the previous assessment and supported a fairer valuation based on the actual usable space within the property.
The Outcome
The VOA accepted the revised measurements, leading to a reduction in the property’s assessed size and a decrease in the client’s business rates. By ensuring the valuation accurately reflected the space in use, the client avoided unnecessary overpayments in the future.
The updated assessment provided the client with confidence that their business rates were now based on a precise and fair valuation.
Savings achieved: £3,100
Surveyor comment
“Structural elements and non-usable areas had been incorrectly included in the previous VOA assessment. Providing accurate measurements and removing these overestimations, we ensured they only pay for the space they actually use.”
