Are You Ready for the 2026 Revaluation?
News & Updates Are You Ready for the 2026 Revaluation? Black Cat Rating Response to the Autumn Budget 2025 Following the Chancellor’s Autumn Budget and the publication of the Draft 2026 Rating List, we have issued our initial briefing on the forthcoming Business Rates changes that will take effect from April 2026. These changes mark one of the most significant shifts in the rating system in recent years, reflecting a sharp increase in rental values across many sectors between the 2023 and 2026 Rating Lists. Market Overview: Draft 2026 Rating List The Draft 2026 Rating List indicates Rateable Value growth across almost every major property sector. Nationally, total RVs have increased by nearly 20 percent, driven by post-pandemic recovery and strong rental performance in key markets. National average changes by sector include: The impact is uneven and will create both winners and losers. More than 1,500 additional properties now fall within the RV above £500,000 bracket, resulting in substantial uplifts despite transitional protections. The Autumn Budget forecasts a 10.2 percent increase in Business Rates revenue for Government in 2026/27. A New Multiplier Structure From April 2026, Government will introduce a more complex multiplier framework. While the headline multipliers are lower this time due to the overall RV uplift, the structure is wider and more segmented, with rates determined by both property use and RV size. This is expected to assist around 750,000 retail, hospitality and leisure (RHL) properties. However, the withdrawal of the current 40 percent RHL relief leaves a significant gap. The previous relief provided £1.8 billion of support which is not fully replaced by the new multipliers. Multipliers from April 2026 Crossrail / City of London supplements of 2p will also apply on RVs over £75,000 Key Implications RHL occupiers lose the Covid-era 40 percent relief but gain permanently lower multipliers. The highest multiplier tier affects large shops, supermarkets, logistics hubs, hospitals, universities and major leisure assets. London properties face additional cost pressures due to continuing supplements. Transitional Relief Scheme A new three-year transitional scheme will limit annual increases but will be funded in part through a 1p supplement applied to properties not eligible for relief. Upward caps for 2026/27, 2027/28 and 2028/29: Small (RV up to £20,000, or £28,000 in London): 5%, 10%, 25% Medium (RV £20,000 to £100,000): 15%, 25%, 40% Large (RV above £100,000): 30%, 25%, 25% Additional Announcements A ten-year extension of 100 percent rates relief for EV charging points, now including EV-only forecourts. A new Council Tax surcharge for homes valued above £2 million from 2028, ranging from £2,500 to £7,500 per year depending on property value. What This Means for Ratepayers The 2026 Revaluation is expected to create significant cost increases for many occupiers. Industrial and logistics sectors, large specialist properties, healthcare and higher education estates, and major leisure sites are likely to face the most material rises even after transitional protection. Black Cat Rating is already modelling 2026–2029 liabilities across all sectors. We are supporting clients with: Forecasting Business Rates liabilities for budgeting and planning Reviewing draft 2026 assessments and preparing check and challenge strategies Identifying portfolio-wide mitigation opportunities Our team is ready to help ratepayers understand their exposure, manage risk and prepare for the April 2026 changes. For tailored advice or a full liability forecast for your portfolio, please contact Jessica Hand, Director & Head of Rating: jessica.hand@bcconsultancy.co.uk Latest News… All Posts Team News Insight Podcast Insight Why Professional Indemnity Insurance Might Matter More Than You Think November 19, 2025 News, Team News Black Cat Launches in Ireland November 7, 2025 Team News Welcoming Sam Scarborough, Ratings Surveyor! October 27, 2025
