Business rates 2026 revaluation

Every three years the Valuation Office Agency (VOA) updates the rateable values of all business and other non-domestic properties in England and Wales. This process reflects changes in the market, and is known as a revaluation. The next revaluation comes into effect on 1 April 2026.

Rateable values

The rateable value of a property is the amount of rent it could have been let for on a set valuation date. For the 2026 revaluation, that valuation date is 1 April 2024. The government sets the valuation date two years before a revaluation takes effect, to allow time for data collection and analysis.

A property's rateable value isn’t the same as the rent you're paying for the property. To calculate the rateable value, the VOA analyses changes in rental property market and redistributes the total amount of business rates paid between different properties to reflect those changes.

Local councils use the rateable value of a property to calculate business rates bills. We multiply the rateable value by a value set by the government known as the multiplier. Find out more about business rates bills.

Rateable values can vary between similar properties for a number of reasons, including due to their size or location.

What happens at a revaluation

At a revaluation, business rates bills may increase, decrease or stay the same. A revaluation doesn't raise extra revenue from ratepayers, and a rise in your rateable value doesn't mean your business rates bill will increase by a similar amount.

From April 2026 the government will be creating two additional, lower multipliers for retail, hospitality and leisure businesses. Councils will be responsible for deciding which businesses are eligible for these lower multipliers in line with the government's business rates multiplier guidance.

Finding your rateable value

You can find the current and future rateable value of your property on GOV.UK. You'll be able to see the details the VOA holds for your property, how its valuation was calculated, and compare its rateable value with similar properties in the area.

You can also get an estimate of what your future business rates bill might be from 1 April 2026. This estimate may not take into account any relief you could be eligible for.

If you think your property valuation is wrong

If you think your property valuation is wrong, or if you want to make any changes to your property details (such as floor area sizes and parking), you'll need a business rates valuation account on GOV.UK.

You can't legally challenge your 2026 valuation until 1 April 2026 (the date when the 2026 rating takes effect), but you can update the details the VOA has about your property or tell them if you think your valuation is wrong by raising a check case against your current valuation. You can also compare your property's rateable value with similar properties in the area, and check how the valuation was calculated.

Any changes made to your current valuation could result in your rateable value going up or down. This may also affect your future valuation from 1 April 2026.

You must continue to pay your business rates as normal until a decision has been made on your case. If you're due a refund when your case is resolved, this will be calculated and issued to you.

You have until 31 March 2026 to request any changes to your current rateable value. From 1 April 2026 you'll only be able to make changes to your new valuation.

If you don't have an account or have not accessed one for some time, you should register now. It can take up to 15 working days to complete the verification process and claim your property.

If your property has changed

If your property has changed, such as its floor size is different, you can tell the VOA about this through your business rates valuation account on GOV.UK.

Contacting the VOA about your rateable value

As your local council we're responsible for anything to do with your business rates bill, including adding any discounts or relief you might be eligible for.

The VOA is responsible for the valuation of your property. If you have any questions about your property's rateable value you should contact the VOA.

More information

Appointing a business rates agent

You can manage your business rates yourself, but if you want to appoint an agent see the VOA advice about how to choose a business rates agent.

To authorise an agent to act on your behalf you'll need to appoint them through your business rates valuation account on GOV.UK.

Applying for business rates relief

There are several types of business rates reductions and reliefs you may be eligible for. Some of these are applied automatically and some you need to apply for. You should never have to pay anyone to apply for a relief.

Help setting up a business rates valuation account

For help setting up a business rates valuation account, see the GOV.UK guidance on registering for an account.