Real estate management firm drives down business rates with RVA Surveyors
Case study:
Real Estate Management Firm | London
Specialising in the letting and operation of its own or leased real estate properties.
KEY
FACTS
FIVE MONTHS
ACHIEVED IN
£9,038
SAVINGS
Office
PROPERTY TYPE
The Client
Located at Mackenzie Industrial Park, Bird Hall Lane, Stockport, the client operates within the industrial sector, utilizing both warehouse and office space for their business.
The client sought to ensure that their business rates were based on an accurate and up-to-date assessment, reflecting the actual space they occupied.
The Problem
The Valuation Office Agency (VOA) had previously assessed the property, but their recorded measurements were incorrect. The floor plans used did not reflect the actual layout and size of the premises, leading to an overestimation of the space occupied.
As a result, the client had been paying business rates based on inflated numbers. This meant they were overpaying for areas that either did not exist or were miscalculated. Without a reassessment, these unnecessary costs would have continued to add up.
The Solution
RVA Surveyors conducted a detailed inspection of the property to measure the actual operational space. Our survey identified several areas that had been reduced since the last VOA assessment, including sections of both the warehouse and office space that were no longer in use.
Once we verified the revised measurements, we submitted a ‘Check’ as part of the Check, Challenge, Appeal (CCA) process to update the VOA. By providing comprehensive evidence, including accurate data, we ensured the new, reduced areas were recorded correctly. This approach helped secure a fair and accurate revaluation.
The Outcome
The VOA accepted the updated assessment, leading to a significant reduction in the client’s business rates. By ensuring that their charges were based on the space they actively used, the client avoided unnecessary costs and achieved substantial savings.
Furthermore, the revised valuation ensures that future business rate calculations will be based on the client’s actual property footprint, preventing any ongoing overpayments.
Savings achieved: £9,038
Surveyor comment
“Our inspection confirmed that the client had reduced certain areas of their property since the last VOA assessment.”
