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 and supplies high-quality components to various industries. Their facility includes a mix of workshop space, office areas, and staff amenities.
Given the nature of their work, the client understands the importance of accuracy. This attention to detail extends to their business rates valuation, as they wanted to ensure they were only charged for the space they actually used. Ensuring an accurate valuation was a top priority.
The Problem
The Valuation Office Agency (VOA) had overestimated the total floor area of the property. Several structural elements were mistakenly included in the measured space, which inflated the recorded size and led to a higher business rates valuation.
Moreover, non-usable areas, such as staff toilets, were factored into the assessment, even though they were not part of the operational workspace. Consequently, the client had been overpaying in business rates.
The Solution
RVA Surveyors conducted a thorough inspection of the premises. We carefully measured each section of the property to determine the correct floor area. Our inspection revealed that structural elements throughout the unit had been mistakenly included in the previous assessment, requiring adjustments to the recorded size. Additionally, we excluded non-operational spaces, such as staff toilets, from the valuation.
After verifying the revised figures, we submitted a ‘Check’ in the Check, Challenge, Appeal (CCA) process to the VOA. We provided updated floor plans and a detailed breakdown of the corrected areas. This evidence clearly highlighted the discrepancies in the previous assessment and supported a fairer valuation based on the actual usable space.
The Outcome
The VOA accepted the revised measurements, which led 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 successfully avoided unnecessary overpayments in the future.
Furthermore, the updated assessment gave the client 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.”
