What is the 2026 Business Rates Revaluation?
The 2026 business rates revaluation is a comprehensive review of all non-domestic properties in England and Wales, scheduled to take effect from 1st April 2026. This mandatory process, conducted by the Valuation Office Agency (VOA), reassesses the rateable value of every business property based on market conditions as of 1st April 2024.
The revaluation aims to ensure that business rates reflect current property market values, redistributing the tax burden fairly across all ratepayers. This is the sixth revaluation since the current system was introduced in 1990.
2026 Revaluation Timeline
April 2024 - Antecedent Valuation Date
The VOA uses market evidence from this date to determine new rateable values for all properties.
2025 - Draft Valuations
Property owners receive draft rateable values and can submit objections or provide additional evidence.
1st April 2026 - Implementation
New rateable values take effect, determining business rates bills for the next five years until 2031.
Key Changes in the 2026 Revaluation
Market Adjustments
Rateable values will reflect post-pandemic market conditions, including changes in retail, office, and industrial property values.
Digital Impact
The continued growth of e-commerce and remote working will influence valuations across different property types.
Sector-by-Sector Impact
Retail Properties
High street retail properties are expected to see significant reductions in rateable values due to decreased footfall and the shift to online shopping. Prime retail locations may see smaller decreases, while secondary locations could experience substantial reductions.
Office Properties
Office valuations will vary significantly by location and quality. City centre offices may see modest decreases reflecting hybrid working patterns, while flexible workspace and high-quality buildings may maintain or increase their values.
Industrial and Logistics
Warehouses and distribution centres are likely to see increases in rateable values due to strong demand driven by e-commerce growth and supply chain reshoring.
Hospitality
Hotels, restaurants, and pubs may see mixed results depending on location and business model, with properties that adapted well to post-pandemic conditions potentially maintaining values.
How to Prepare for the 2026 Revaluation
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Review Your Current Rateable ValueUse our business rates calculator to understand your current liability.
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Monitor Market EvidenceKeep records of comparable property transactions and rental evidence in your area.
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Document Property ChangesRecord any improvements, alterations, or changes in circumstances that might affect your valuation.
- Engage Professional Help: Consider appointing a rating surveyor to represent your interests during the revaluation process.
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Budget for ChangesPlan for potential increases or decreases in your business rates liability from April 2026.
Relief Schemes Available in 2026
Several relief schemes will continue to be available following the revaluation:
- Small Business Rate Relief (SBRR): Properties with rateable values below certain thresholds receive partial or full relief
- Transitional Relief: Caps year-on-year increases in bills to ease the impact of revaluation changes
- Rural Rate Relief: Available for eligible businesses in rural areas
- Charitable Relief: Properties used for charitable purposes may qualify for relief
- Empty Property Relief: Temporary relief for unoccupied properties (conditions apply)
Check your eligibility for these reliefs using our comprehensive business rates checker.
Challenging Your 2026 Valuation
If you believe your new rateable value is incorrect, you can challenge it through the VOA's Check, Challenge, Appeal process:
1. Check
Review the information the VOA holds about your property online
2. Challenge
Submit evidence if you believe the information is incorrect
3. Appeal
If unsatisfied with the outcome, appeal to the Valuation Tribunal