SERVICES
Business rates consultancy
We'll help you reduce, appeal and manage your liabilities.
With more than 55 years of experience, our Business Rates team consists of chartered surveyors and rate payment and audit specialists with an intimate knowledge of the rating system.
As business rates are based on estimates, the calculation is open to challenge. We'll help identify opportunities to reduce your rate expenses and improve your business' financial position.
Our business rates services
Challenge and appeal
Our business rates appeal specialists assess whether your rateable value can be challenged, and guide you through the intricate appeal process.
Rate payment
We offer comprehensive services for the management and payment of rates for single properties or portfolios. This includes detailed financial data and tailored reporting.
Empty rates mitigation
If you’re vacating a property or planning phased occupancy, we help secure the maximum relief available. In some cases, we may further reduce liabilities by arranging successive periods of relief.
Disturbance refunds
Should your business be impacted by nearby development work, we can assist with applying for rates relief and lodging appeals based on material changes in your circumstances.
Rate audit
Our experts can review historic rate payments dating back to 1990 to ensure they’re correct. If any overpayments are identified, we’ll help you reclaim the funds.
Find out how much you should pay.
Track record
Dean Clough Mills, Halifax, HX3 5AX
Client: Covea Insurance
Property size: Offices RV £910k -7,960sq.m (85,700 sq ft)
Objectives: A multi-stage split of the assessment
Actions: Securing empty property rates relief in respect of “unoccupied” accommodation
Outcome: £500k rate savings
Queensberry House, 3 Old Burlington Street, London, W1S 3AE
Client: NBIM Ltd
Property size: Total floor area of 2470m2
Objectives: Delete three assessments from the rating list, floors stripped back to Cat A.
Actions: Submitted appeal to the VOA seeking deletion of 3 assessments within the property.
Outcome: VOA agreed to delete the assessments, total savings for 2023RL ~£2m
5 Sandiford Road SM3 9RN
Client: Kisiel Ltd
Property size: 1022m2
Objectives: Reconstitute (split) the property into 14 individual assessments in both the 2017 and 2023 Rating Lists.
Actions: Submit appeals to the VOA seeking the reconstitution of the property.
Outcome: VOA agreed to reconstitute the assessments, resulting in total savings for the client across the 2017and 2023 rating lists of £350,000.
Unit 1, Hurricane Way South, Sherburn In Elmet, Leeds, LS25 6PT
Client: Legal & General Modular Homes
Property size: RV £1.76m Large Distribution Warehouse 52,855sq.m (569,000 sq.ft)
Objectives: Managing empty property rates
Actions: Implementing a rate mitigation strategy for L&G as part of a phased exit from the premies
Outcome: Generating rate savings in the order of £790k
Unit 5 Crest Distribution Park, Crest Road, High Wycombe, Bucks, HP11 1WT
Client: Niclen UK
Property size: 2,067.70sqm
Objectives: Reduce the business rates liability
Actions: Submitted a Check to the VOA to correct the floor areas
Outcome: Corrected the floor areas, reducing them from 2,331.70sqm to 2,067.70sqm. This reduced the Rateable Value from £355,000 to £312,500, generating over £55,000 of rates savings.
Various
Objectives: Reduce ongoing rates liabilities.
Actions: Rates bill audit and reviewing all rateable values.
Outcome: Reductions in rateable values, via Check, Challenge and Appeal, and relief applied where the client is eligible.
Testimonial: "Working with Knight Frank has been a real advantage for our business. Their expertise in business rates has not only saved us a significant amount of money but also made the whole process completely stress-free. They took the time to understand our situation, identified opportunities, and ensured we were getting the best possible outcome. I would highly recommend their services to any business looking to reduce costs and navigate the complexities of business rates with confidence." Martin Holden, Head of Estates
Portfolio, UK Wide
Client: Tesla
Property size: Total sites 54
Objectives: Reviewing rateable values and rate demands, Business rates payments
Actions: Submission of Appeals, Application and negotiation of void rates, Application for refunds, Implementation of legitimate strategies to mitigate rates liability on vacant properties.
Outcome: So far, we have secured a rebate of just over £250,000 through our Rate Management Audit service for Westfield Shopping Centre.
Frequently asked questions
Business rates are a tax payable on most occupied commercial property. They are typically based on the property’s rateable value and can represent a significant cost, often forming one of the largest overheads and having a direct impact on overall profitability.
Business rates are payable on most types of commercial property. This includes offices, shops, factories, warehouses, pubs, holiday lets and guesthouses, as well as other premises used for business purposes. In most cases, if a property is occupied and used commercially, business rates will apply.
Business rates are calculated by multiplying a property’s rateable value (RV) by the uniform business rate (UBR) set by the government. The rateable value reflects the property’s estimated rental value at a set date. Reliefs and adjustments may apply, meaning the final amount you pay can vary.
In most cases, yes. If part of a property is used for business purposes, you may need to pay business rates on that section. This can apply to a range of uses, so it’s important to understand how your space is classified and assessed.
Your local council will usually send your business rates bill in February or March for the following tax year. Payments are typically made in instalments across the year, allowing you to spread the cost rather than paying the full amount in one go.
Explore our business rates offering
Business rates revaluation
Use our interactive map to understand how the upcoming 2026 rating changes will affect your business rates.
Reduce and appeal business rates
Check or challenge business rates with our leading team of RICS-qualified specialists.
Business rates payment management
Our highly specialised team of rating surveyors and rate account managers to help you manage, submit and verify your rate expenses.
