Business Rates Relief: Do You Qualify?
- peterw022
- Mar 28
- 3 min read
Many businesses overpay on business rates because they don’t realise they qualify for relief.
If your property, market conditions, or operational circumstances have changed, you could be eligible for a reassessment or reduction.
Here’s what to consider:
Property Changes
Have you made any changes to your property that might affect its rateable value?
Refurbishments – Have you upgraded or improved your premises?
Extensions or Reductions – Have you expanded or reduced your space?
Structural Alterations – Have significant changes impacted how your property is assessed?
If so, your business rates might need to be updated to reflect these modifications.
Local Disruptions
Changes in your area could negatively affect your property’s value.
Ongoing roadworks - making it harder for customers or deliveries to access your premises.
New developments - creating noise, congestion, or overshadowing your business.
Nearby demolitions - or construction that impact your trade.
If external factors have made your location less attractive or accessible, you may have grounds for a reassessment.
Market Shifts
The commercial property market is constantly changing. If similar properties in your area have seen rent reductions, your rateable value might be outdated.
Has the market rent for comparable properties decreased?
Are there more vacancies or lower demand in your sector?
Have property values in your area dropped since your last valuation?
It’s worth checking whether your business rates reflect current market conditions rather than outdated valuations.
Usage Adjustments
If your business operations have changed, your rates should too.
Downsized or sublated part of your space?
Changed the way you use your premises? (e.g., switching from retail to office use)
Reduced capacity due to economic pressures or industry shifts?
A change in use could mean your property’s rateable value is no longer accurate.
Foot Traffic Issues
If fewer customers are coming through your doors, it could be due to factors outside your control, such as:
Nearby business closures reducing footfall.
Changes in public transport links making your location harder to reach.
Parking restrictions discouraging customers from visiting.
If these factors have impacted your trade, you may be able to seek relief.
Rising Costs
With overheads increasing, business rates can become even harder to manage.
Are rising energy, rent, or staffing costs affecting your ability to pay?
Have you seen a drop in revenue while your business rates remain unchanged?
There may be relief schemes available to help ease the burden.
Profitability Issues
If business rates are putting undue strain on your finances, you may be able to seek a reduction.
Are high business rates making it difficult to operate profitably at this site?
Have you struggled to maintain your business due to economic challenges?
A reassessment could help ease financial pressure and improve your cash flow.
Unexpected Events
Has your property been affected by unforeseen circumstances that have reduced its value? This might include:
Flooding, fire, or structural damage that has impacted operations.
Legal restrictions or planning changes that limit your ability to trade.
Other unique circumstances that make your premises less valuable than before.
Such events could justify a temporary or permanent reduction in your business rates.
How Can You Check If You Qualify?
Navigating business rates appeals can be complex. At Commercial Property Advisors (CPA), we specialise in helping businesses like yours reduce their rates liability.
We offer a free survey to assess whether you qualify for relief.
We handle the entire appeal process, so you don’t have to.
Our service is no saving, no fee, meaning you only pay if we secure you savings.
If any of the above factors apply to you, it’s worth checking if you’re eligible for a reduction. Get in touch today and see how much you could save.
