Grocery store slashes business rates with RVA Surveyors
Case study:
Grocery Store | North West
An independent grocery store specialising in Persian and Middle Eastern products from fresh produce, pantry staples, and household essentials.
KEY
FACTS
5 MONTHS
ACHIEVED IN
£4,706
SAVINGS
Store
PROPERTY TYPE
The Client
Located on 473 Kingsway, Manchester, the client operates a busy independent grocery store specialising in Persian and Middle Eastern products from fresh produce, pantry staples, and household essentials, catering to the diverse needs of the local community.
As part of a growing business, this site plays a crucial role in their wider commercial activity. The property had been assigned a rateable value that did not reflect current market conditions or comparable units in the surrounding area.
The Problem
The property was initially assessed by the Valuation Office Agency (VOA) at £350 per square metre, resulting in a total Rateable Value (RV) of £30,500. This valuation was significantly higher than similar properties nearby.
It became clear that the VOA had overestimated the rental value of the premises, basing their assessment on inaccurate or outdated information. This not only misrepresented the property’s true market position but also placed an unnecessary financial burden on the client.
The Solution
RVA Surveyors carried out a detailed inspection of the property, including a full comparison with similar retail units within the same locality. Drawing on current rental evidence and valuation trends, a ‘Challenge’ from the Check, Challenge, Appeal process was submitted to the VOA.
The team highlighted key discrepancies between the assessed value and actual market conditions, with particular focus on the excessive price per square metre.
The Outcome
The VOA accepted RVA’s submission and reduced the price per square metre from £350 to £215. This brought the rateable value down from £30,500 to £18,500—resulting in substantial savings for the client.
The revised valuation better reflected the property’s true rental position and aligned with similar businesses in the area.
Savings achieved: £4,706
Surveyor comment
“The original valuation didn’t reflect local rental levels. By presenting strong comparables and clear evidence, we achieved a significant reduction that brought the assessment in line with the market.”
