Working out rateable property values may feel like something of a dark art to those not in the know, and the news that these values are set to change again from April 1 2023 could strike fear into the hearts of some.

The Valuation Office Agency (VOA), which is part of HMRC, is making the changes and you will need to check on the VOA website to find out if and how the rateable value of your property is changing. Remember this does not apply to residential properties, only commercial properties.

What can I expect?

It will be a case of checking your property on the site individually to see what the new valuation will be, but the rateable values from April 1, 2017 to March 31, 2023 are based on the market rental value of the property in 2015. But from April 1, 2023, the rateable value will be based on the market rental value from 2021.

Changes to self-catering holiday lets

Self-catering holiday lets which are assessed for non-domestic rates – any properties considered domestic are subject to council tax – currently only need to be available for short-term lets for 140 days a year, and there is no minimum number of days the property needs to be let to qualify as a commercial holiday let.

However, from April 1, 2023, the criteria will change and to be defined as a commercial holiday let it will need to have been let for 140 days or more in the previous year and let commercially for 70 days or more in the last 12 months, if the property is in England.

If the property is in Wales, then it will need to have been available to let commercially for short lets for 252 days in the previous and current year, and actually let for 182 days or more in the previous or current 12 months, according to Gov.uk.

Remember, if you are a small business, then you may qualify for the Small Business Rates Relief Scheme or perhaps one of the other rates relief schemes. This is definitely worth checking as it could significantly reduce your bill, or you may not have to pay anything at all.

We can help you meet your obligations

Speak to your accountant now and ask him or her to help you get the right information so you understand how your rates may change and whether you need to make a change to the status of your self-catering holiday let from April 2023.