Council tax banding

keith969

I've just had a big shock this morning - a letter arrived from the VOA saying my local council had informed them that alterations had been made to the property since 1993, and they want to come and assess it.

Now the property was 'altered' in 1998 - originally it was a 2 bed bungalow, and the loft was converted to add an extra 2 rooms. It was sold in 2003, then again 3 months ago when I bought it, so its a bit strange that only now are they trying to reband it.

Question is, can I challenge it being rebanded, as is has been over 10 years since planning permission was given for the extension? And is rebanding only based on the extimated 1991 value of the property, or is it based on e.g. floor area?

Fire_Fox

From the VOA website:
http://www.voa.gov.uk/council_tax/increases.htm

keith969

Thanks, it is strange though that they could have reviewed it in 2003 when the previous owners bought it, but they didn't.

I'm currently band D, most of the houses nearby are C or D, but in this climate of the government seeking to tax anything and everything as much as possible, I wouldn't be surprised if they try and increase it.

mark5

OP is your house worth more than these other local band D properties though?

keith969

mark5 wrote: »

OP is your house worth more than these other local band D properties though?

One sold last month for just under 10% less than mine and is a band D.
Another sold for 10% more in July and is an E.
A third sold in March 2008 for 14% less and is a D.
The C's have sold for more like 30% less.

So I guess I'm borderline...

blckbrd

Small comfort OP but if the CT banding does go up, at least it won't be backdated to 2003...

mark5

In that case, good luck and make sure you make the worst impression of your house when they visit!