Valuation and Lands Agency letter

scandarahar

Has anyone else received a letter from the above re -

Domestic Revaluation - Inspection of Recently Sold Domestic Properties

It basically says that from 2006 the basis of assessment for domestic rates will be the market value of our house. They note that our property was sold recently - we bought it 6 months ago - and are advising that a valuer may call to check the accuracy of the information that they hold.

Surely if they know the house was sold recently they will know what the market value is and who the occupants are instead of addressing this letter to 'The Occupier'...

It goes on to say that this 'visit' will involve a simple internal inspection, taking a photograph of the exterior and measuring the property in full or part.

Usual stuff then about carrying ID cards and further info on a given tel. no or on website.

Needless to say I am a bit sceptical about this as it does not make sense. Nor will they be setting foot inside the house.

Anyone else had this done or received the letter?

Or am I being paranoid

NAR

All properties are being reassessed to ensure that they hold accurate information. This is to "catch" alterations/extensions that have been made that were not notified. They will then be able to give an accurate ratable value.

Simpson

I don't blame you for being hesitant about letting them in.

I don't like the sound of it either.

What are the photo's for?
Do you get a discount if your carpet is stained?
or does your bill go up because you've got a carpet?

NAR

Simpson wrote:

What are the photo's for?
Do you get a discount if your carpet is stained?
or does your bill go up because you've got a carpet?

All this from one exterior photo? Can I have one of those cameras please? :rolleyes:

SnowyOwl_2

There was some similar scheme in London some years ago when Council Tax was being brought in. Basically somebody came along and guestimated how much your house would cost and therefore which band of council tax you'd have to pay. As mentioned I lived in London, but I was in the cheapest of the cheap ie a 1 bed flat over a shop in a less than glamourous area. I was put in the middle band because their bands were structured to cover the whole of the country. So people in four bed detached houses in the north east were put into the cheapest band because the market value of their houses in that area was less than my 1 bed flat in London. Nobody actually came to the door, it was all "assessed" from outside.

I wonder what dipstick decided that this system was so fair they should bring it in over here?!?
I wonder too how they are going to assess the rateable value of houses that haven't been sold recently?

criminal_smile

Just to let you know, as a civil servant, we have just been notified that Valuation and Lands Agency are about to re-evaluate every house in N.I. They will be visiting every household in N.I. as well as estate agents, and solicitors. Accurate measurements, photos, and drawings of each property will be made, where needed, to ensure that the information held by VLA is up to date. This work will also include all commercial premises.
I was thinking about applying for a job doing this, but after reading these last few posts, I'm not entirely sure if I should. Could be more than my life is worth.

More info as and when it arrives.

Simpson

NAR wrote:

All this from one exterior photo? Can I have one of those cameras please? :rolleyes:

SEPERATE QUESTIONS NAR.

IT DOES SAY THAT THEY WANT AN INTERNAL INSPECTION.

I ASSUME THAT MEANS THEY CAN OPEN THEIR EYES WHILE THEY'RE IN THERE.

NAR

Sorry Simpson, I should have had a couple of smilies in my post - I was just trying to be funny. Hope I didn't cause you any offence.

arkonite_babe

Ok all, can we get back to the original discussion please? and be nice;)

Thankyou!

NAR

criminal_smile wrote:

I was thinking about applying for a job doing this, but after reading these last few posts, I'm not entirely sure if I should. Could be more than my life is worth.

Don't be daft, you go for it. I think it might be quite an interesting job.

criminal_smile

Other things to consider NAR.
Have to say....I don't actually find the prospect of snooping through the houses of MSE'rs a daunting prospect. All a nice bunch so far.
And I DO need some ideas for decorating the living room. Would be cheaper than buying those useless interior design mags the missus gets. Nearly qualifies as a money saving idea methinks.....:)