Commercial property company slashes business rates with RVA Surveyors
Case study:
Commercial Property Company | East of England
Specialises in the real estate sector, with a focus on the acquisition, development, and ongoing management of commercial property assets.
KEY
FACTS
2 MONTHS
ACHIEVED IN
£15,026
SAVINGS
Office
PROPERTY TYPE
The Client
Based at 39a, High St, Billericay, our client operates a commercial property company within the real estate sector, with a focus on the acquisition, development, and ongoing management of commercial property assets.
Known for its proactive approach to property strategy, the business consistently seeks ways to enhance asset performance and reduce overheads, ensuring long-term value which led them to reviewing their business rates.
The Problem
The client had been operating under an inflated rateable value (RV) of £14,250, which was based on outdated and inaccurate data regarding the internal area of their property.
This incorrect split of space stemmed from a prior assessment either by the client themselves or a former advisor and did not reflect the true layout or usage of the premises. Due to this overvaluation, the client was disqualified from receiving Small Business Rates Relief (SBRR), leading to avoidable financial strain through higher business rates liability.
The Solution
RVA Surveyors undertook a detailed inspection of the property and compared the current valuation with actual measurements and usage data. Our investigation revealed the historic error in how the property had been divided and submitted.
We then acted on the client’s behalf to file a formal “Check” with the Valuation Office Agency (VOA), presenting clear evidence to support a revised RV. This presentation of factual data allowed the VOA to reconsider the valuation and issue a correction.
The Outcome
The property’s RV was successfully reduced from £14,250 to £11,750. This adjustment not only corrected the historical inaccuracy but also brought the client’s property below the threshold for full SBRR.
As a result, the client now qualifies for 100% relief, eliminating their business rates liability entirely. This outcome delivers immediate financial benefit and long-term savings, while also ensuring the property is now correctly listed for future assessments.
Savings achieved: £15,026
Surveyor comment
“This case is a clear example of how historical inaccuracies in property data can have a lasting financial impact if left unchallenged. By conducting a precise review of the property’s internal layout and identifying the misapplied area split, we were able to correct the rateable value and secure full Small Business Rates Relief for the client.”
