Cosmetics supplier brushes away business rates with RVA Surveyors
Case study:
Cosmetics Supplier | South West
Specialising in supplying professional hair and beauty products, catering to both trade and retail customers.
KEY
FACTS
9 MONTHS
ACHIEVED IN
£14,573
SAVINGS
Showroom
PROPERTY TYPE
The Client
Located at Estover Close, Plymouth, the client is a supplier of professional hair and beauty products, catering to both trade and retail customers. Their operations include a showroom space on the ground floor and supporting facilities on the upper level.
The property sits within a busy commercial estate and is held on a leasehold basis. While the lease is through a connected company, the business operates independently on a day-to-day basis.
The Problem
A detailed review of the property’s assessment revealed that a 25% quality uplift had been applied across the valuation by the Valuation Office Agency (VOA), resulting in an inflated Rateable Value (RV). This adjustment appeared to be disproportionate when compared to similar showroom and trade properties in the surrounding area.
Furthermore, a height adjustment had been included for the first floor, despite the space not offering the functional benefit that would normally warrant such an uplift. As the lease was between connected parties, the rent couldn’t be used as direct evidence, requiring a more nuanced approach using external comparisons.
The Solution
In June 2024, RVA Surveyors conducted a full inspection of the property, verifying its condition and layout. We collected photographic documentation and market comparables, which demonstrated that a 20% uplift was more consistent with industry standards for similar properties.
We also questioned the added height value attributed to the first floor. As a result of our findings, a VOA caseworker conducted a site visit. After reviewing the evidence, the caseworker agreed with our assessment and supported the removal of both the excessive uplift and the unjustified height adjustment.
The Outcome
Following this collaborative review, the VOA updated the property’s valuation. The revised RV dropped from £52,500 to £44,000, effective from 1st April 2023.
Not only did this adjustment bring the valuation in line with the property’s true characteristics, but it also delivered substantial annual savings for the client. By eliminating unnecessary charges, we ensured the business now pays a fair and accurate amount allowing them to reinvest those savings more productively.
Savings in liability achieved: £14,573
Surveyor comment
“Challenging the uplift and height adjustment was key here. The revised valuation now properly reflects both the property’s layout and local rental evidence.”
