2026 revaluation: are your business rates higher than the evidence supports?
What changed in 2026
The Valuation Office Agency revalued every commercial property in England and Wales in April 2026, setting new figures that determine how much business rates each occupier pays. The methodology uses statistical modelling across large datasets. In many cases the figures it produces are higher than the rental evidence for that specific property type and location actually supports.
Where that's the case, occupiers have the right to challenge the assessment through the official VOA process. Not sure where you stand? Estimate your bill with our calculator.
A successful challenge reduces your rates bill - not from the day it resolves, but from the day you lodge the challenge. The earlier you act, the more you save across the life of the rating list.
We look at the comparable evidence before taking on any case. If the numbers don't support a reduction, we'll tell you - before any submission is made.
How it works
Free desk-based audit
Submit your property address. We run a desk-based analysis of your 2026 assessment against comparable properties and rental evidence in your area. We'll tell you whether we think you have a case - at no charge and with no obligation.
Surveyor introduction
Where the evidence supports a challenge, we introduce you to a vetted, RICS-qualified rating surveyor with direct experience of the 2026 revaluation in your sector. Your surveyor confirms the fee in writing - 25% of any saving achieved - before anything is formally submitted. You sign one document to authorise them. That's the last thing we ask you to do.
Your surveyor does everything else
Your surveyor handles all formal submissions, negotiations and any tribunal proceedings from here. You don't attend any hearings or meetings. If a reduction is agreed, the fee is 25% of the first year's saving. If nothing is saved, nothing is owed.
Full fee structure →The date the new rating list took effect. Every commercial ratepayer in England and Wales received a new assessment - many higher than the evidence supports.
For every £1,000 of rateable value, commercial occupiers pay approximately £512 in business rates per year at the 2026 standard multiplier.
The surveyor's fee, agreed and fixed in writing before any submission. Nothing upfront. Nothing if there's no reduction.
Our approach
We built Rating Matters around one principle: only take cases where the evidence genuinely supports a reduction. Before any case goes forward, we run a proper desk-based analysis. If the numbers aren't there, we close the file and tell you.
Data-led analysis
We review your 2026 assessment against regional comparable evidence before recommending a challenge. If the evidence doesn't support a reduction, we say so.
Matched to the right surveyor
We introduce you to a specialist whose experience matches your sector and location - not whoever is available.
One thing for you to do
Authorise your surveyor to act on your behalf with the VOA. We guide you through it. After that, your involvement ends.
No upfront cost, ever
Rating Matters is free to use. Your surveyor's fee is 25% of any saving achieved, paid only after a reduction is confirmed.
Latest insights
View all insights →August 2026
Business rates valuation review: what could change before the 2029 revaluation?
The government is reviewing business rates valuation methods. Find out what the review could mean for pubs, hotels and other commercial properties ahead of 2029.
July 2026
What is happening to business rates after the 2026 revaluation?
Early evidence from Rating Matters shows how 2026 rateable values are changing across commercial properties - and where assessments may warrant further investigation.
June 2026
Are you overpaying business rates in 2026?
A higher bill doesn't automatically mean a correct one. How to check whether your 2026 rateable value reflects the market - and what can actually be challenged.
May 2026
2026 Business Rates Revaluation: Key Findings
The pain of the 2026 revaluation isn't falling where most people assume. A closer look at the sector, size and regional variation behind the headline figures - and the roughly 100,000 businesses who may have lost small business relief entirely.
Not sure if your property qualifies?
Submit your address. We'll run a desk-based analysis of your 2026 assessment and come back to you - at no cost and with no obligation.
Start your free RV audit