Ready for the 2026 Rates Revaluation?
From April 2026, Business Rates Are Changing. Will You Be Paying Too Much?
What’s Happening?
The 2026 Rating List comes into effect on 1 April 2026. Every commercial property in England and Wales will be assigned a new Rateable Value (RV), based on rental market conditions as of 1 April 2024.
Before that, the draft list will be published in November 2025—giving business owners a short window to review and challenge their rateable value.
Since the last revaluation in 2023, the commercial property market has shifted considerably. This means some properties will see their RVs drop, potentially unlocking savings or refunds, while others may find their RVs rise sharply, increasing their annual liability.
Even a modest increase in your RV can significantly raise your business rates bill. Understanding and reviewing your new valuation is critical to avoid overpaying.
April 2024
November 2025
Autumn 2025 Budget
April 2026
Market snapshot used for the 2026 Rating List
Draft 2026 Rating List published.
Government to confirm transitional relief and multiplier rates.
New Rating List goes live, bills issued based on new RVs.
2026 Policy Changes at a Glance
Tiered Multipliers
The government plans to introduce a tiered multiplier system, replacing the current “one-size-fits-all” model.
Lower multiplier: Designed to support smaller, consumer-facing businesses such as shops, restaurants, and local service providers, properties with a Rateable Value (RV) under £500,000 will benefit from a permanently lower multiplier.
Supplementary multiplier: Properties with an RV over £500,000 (such as warehouses, logistics centres, and prime office buildings) will face a higher multiplier — effectively a surcharge on larger or high-value premises.
This change aims to rebalance the system and provide relief for smaller businesses — but it could mean increased liabilities for large-scale occupiers and property owners.
Improvement Relief
Introduced in 2024, Improvement Relief will continue under the 2026 List and applies to businesses that invest in upgrading or expanding their properties.
Offers 12 months of 100% rates relief for any qualifying improvement that would otherwise increase your RV.
Applies to physical enhancements like extensions, fit-outs, or upgrades to meet environmental or operational standards.
Intended to encourage investment without penalising occupiers through higher business rates.
This relief allows you to modernise, expand, or refurbish your premises with no short-term rates penalty — making it a key opportunity for growing businesses.
Transitional Relief Scheme
Sharp increases in Rateable Values can have a major financial impact. To help smooth this transition, a new Transitional Relief Scheme will be introduced from April 2026.
Designed to phase in increases to business rates bills gradually over several years.
Intended to prevent sudden cost spikes for ratepayers whose RVs rise significantly.
Full details — including thresholds and caps — are expected in the Autumn Budget 2025.
If your property’s RV increases sharply, this relief could protect you from the full impact immediately — but the specifics will depend on government policy later this year.
Ongoing Review of Business Rates Reform
The government’s wider “Transforming Business Rates” project remains underway, with potential reforms expected in the next few years. Areas under review include:
Small Business Rates Relief (SBRR) thresholds and eligibility
Digitalisation of the business rates system for easier data sharing
Simplified Check, Challenge, Appeal processes
These reforms are designed to make the system fairer and more transparent — but they could also mean new obligations for ratepayers to keep property information updated.
2026 Policy Changes at a Glance
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The government plans to introduce a tiered multiplier system, replacing the current “one-size-fits-all” model.
Lower multiplier: Designed to support smaller, consumer-facing businesses such as shops, restaurants, and local service providers, properties with a Rateable Value (RV) under £500,000 will benefit from a permanently lower multiplier.
Supplementary multiplier: Properties with an RV over £500,000 (such as warehouses, logistics centres, and prime office buildings) will face a higher multiplier — effectively a surcharge on larger or high-value premises.
This change aims to rebalance the system and provide relief for smaller businesses — but it could mean increased liabilities for large-scale occupiers and property owners.
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Not All Properties Will Be Affected Equally
The impact of the 2026 list will vary widely depending on property type and location:
Retail and High Streets
Get precise valuations, ensuring your property rates are fair and up-to-date.
Offices
Get precise valuations, ensuring your property rates are fair and up-to-date.
Industrial & Logistics
Get precise valuations, ensuring your property rates are fair and up-to-date.
Hospitality & Leisure
Get precise valuations, ensuring your property rates are fair and up-to-date.
Need Help Understanding How These Policies Affect You?
Every property is different — and so is every outcome. Our RICS-regulated surveyors and rating specialists at CPA can help you model the impact of these changes and identify savings opportunities ahead of April 2026.
Schedule Your Review
Schedule your review today to discover if savings can be made on your property. There’s no cost, no obligation — just the opportunity to uncover reliefs, correct overcharges, and recover what’s rightfully yours.
Meet Our Founder
David Tanswell
Founder & CEO
I've been immersed in the world of business rates since 2007 - a journey that has been both challenging and rewarding.
Over the years, I've witnessed industry-shaking changes, from global recessions to the smoking ban, the complexities of Brexit, and the unprecedented challenges brought on by COVID-19.
My mission has always been to guide business owners through turbulent times, ensuring that they are paying fair and accurate business rates or helping them become exempt if possible. It's a commitment to fairness, transparency, and support that I believe in deeply, and it's these principles that form the core of our company's culture.
How Much Could You Save?
Whether you believe you're overpaying or simply want to explore your options, our team of RICS-regulated surveyors are here to guide you through the process.
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"A huge thanks to CPA for resolving our business rates issue. David was professional, accessible, and saved us time, money, and stress. Truly grateful!"
RH Language School
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"CPA secured a rebate on our business rates – great result. I’d happily use them again and recommend them to others."
Smart Homes
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"I was sceptical at first, but Commercial Property Advisors saved us £44k with zero hassle. They handled everything – definitely worth a call!"
Planit I.E Ltd
Contact Us
Have a question or ready to get started? Whether you’re looking for advice, want to schedule a review, or simply need more information — we’re here to help. Get in touch and a member of the team will respond promptly.