Rateable value
Rateable value (RV) is a value that is given to all non-domestic and commercial properties. It is used to assess the amount of business rates the property owner or leaseholder must pay. It is re-evaluated periodically.
The UK government’s definition of rateable value which applies to all properties is:
- ‘Rateable value represents the rental value of a property if it was let at the standard valuation date on the basis that the tenant pays for all repairs during the letting. The definition includes an assumption that the property is let in a state of reasonable repair.’
Rateable values are calculated by the Valuation Office Agency (VOA) which is independent from local authorities. The VOA gives government the valuations and property advice needed to support taxation and benefits.
In a commercial property that houses numerous tenants, each unit is assigned its own RV. Where these also incorporate a domestic property, such as a flat above the shop, they are classed as composite properties and so are valued for both business rates and council tax.
Generally, disrepair does not affect a property’s rateable value unless:
- The property is in such a bad state that a reasonable landlord would consider repair to be uneconomic.
- The property is in such a bad state that a reasonable landlord might repair only part of it.
- The property has been so badly damaged by fire or flooding that it cannot be economically repaired and used.
Once rateable values have been established by the Valuation Office Agency, they are given to local authorities who use them to calculate business rates. All businesses that occupy commercial or non-domestic properties are liable for business rates.
Business rates can be calculated by taking a property’s rateable value and multiplying it by the appropriate multiplier. The multiplier is how much per pound of rateable value must be paid in business rates before any relief or discounts are deducted.
It can be useful to know what business rates should be, either to check the correctness of existing rates or to assess how much they might be for a potential property purchase. Rateable values can be found by entering the appropriate postcode at the Gov.UK website HERE.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
Featured articles and news
Shading for housing, a design guide
A look back at embedding a new culture of shading.
The Architectural Technology Awards
The AT Awards 2025 are open for entries!
ECA Blueprint for Electrification
The 'mosaic of interconnected challenges' and how to deliver the UK’s Transition to Clean Power.
Grenfell Tower Principal Contractor Award notice
Tower repair and maintenance contractor announced as demolition contractor.
Passivhaus social homes benefit from heat pump service
Sixteen new homes designed and built to achieve Passivhaus constructed in Dumfries & Galloway.
CABE Publishes Results of 2025 Building Control Survey
Concern over lack of understanding of how roles have changed since the introduction of the BSA 2022.
British Architectural Sculpture 1851-1951
A rich heritage of decorative and figurative sculpture. Book review.
A programme to tackle the lack of diversity.
Independent Building Control review panel
Five members of the newly established, Grenfell Tower Inquiry recommended, panel appointed.
Welsh Recharging Electrical Skills Charter progresses
ECA progressing on the ‘asks’ of the Recharging Electrical Skills Charter at the Senedd in Wales.
A brief history from 1890s to 2020s.
CIOB and CORBON combine forces
To elevate professional standards in Nigeria’s construction industry.
Amendment to the GB Energy Bill welcomed by ECA
Move prevents nationally-owned energy company from investing in solar panels produced by modern slavery.
Gregor Harvie argues that AI is state-sanctioned theft of IP.
Experimental AI housing target help for councils
Experimental AI could help councils meet housing targets by digitising records.
BSRIA Occupant Wellbeing survey BOW
Occupant satisfaction and wellbeing tool inc. physical environment, indoor facilities, functionality and accessibility.