Business Rates are receiving increased attention and debate.
With the 2026 revaluation of Business Rates and the upcoming Autumn Budget, business leaders across the UK face pivotal changes that could alter property costs and financial planning. Staying informed on Business Rates updates, understanding potential impacts of new multipliers, and identifying ways to optimise liabilities are crucial for competitive positioning in a dynamic economic environment.
We explain the key Business Rates changes and provide essential steps to help you safeguard your interests now.
Have you overpaid and may be eligible for a rebate?
Business Rates will be revalued from 1 April 2026, marking the end of the current 2023 rating list. Now is the time to secure any potential rebate dating back to 1 April 2023. Be sure to reach out to secure your position before the 2023 Rating List deadline on 31 March 2026.
What does this April 2026 revaluation mean for you?
The Rateable Value adopted on your property/s is due to change with effect from 1 April 2026. How this impacts you will depend on the sector, location and recent rental value shifts for your particular properties. If you’re an office or industrial occupier in a strong rental growth location, then you could see a significant uplift in this property tax. Speak to the team at SHB for advice on who this revaluation will likely impact and how it will impact your property costs.
What is the Draft Rating List?
Your revised Rateable Value will be released in draft form on 26 November 2025. If the proposed value seems excessive, be ready to make a representation to the Valuation Office Agency. SHB can provide an early assessment and, if needed, handle any necessary appeal. This new Rateable Value will determine your rates liability through April 2029, so it is important to act promptly.
Autumn Budget – how does this impact what you pay?
On 26 November 2025, the Government will announce the multipliers and any transitional relief provisions for the 2026/27 rate year. It’s expected that a series of multipliers will be released, which are applied to your Rateable Value to calculate your annual rates payable. The multiplier relevant to your property will likely depend on your sector and the size of your Rateable Value.
If your new 2026 RV exceeds £500k, expect to see a “premium” multiplier applied that will be higher than the standard multiplier for RVs below this threshold. Contact SHB and get ahead of these expected changes to your rates liability.
Other opportunities for reducing your rates payable?
Is your occupation impacted by neighbouring building works? Are there parts of your property that you’re no longer occupying? Have you undertaken any reconfiguration or refurbishment of your space, or do you have future plans for it? All of these factors can provide an opportunity to seek a reduction in your annual rates liability.
The revaluation and Autumn Budget are poised to reshape the Business Rates environment for organisations nationwide. By staying proactive, seeking specialist advice, and closely monitoring the Budget announcements on 26th November, business leaders can better manage their rates liability and position their businesses for success amidst ongoing fiscal changes.
Speak to our specialists if we can help with a current property valuation or a plan forward on reducing your business rates.
