Council Tax Banding - Auto Reassessed at sale?

SouthernGuy

Good Afternoon all,

I'm just about to complete a purchase of a house that was built in the 50's. Until my purchase it was owned by the same owner since being built. (therefore no previous sales data).

I've just looked on the government council tax checking website and have noticed that out of a road of quite a few identical properties (same style, size, age, etc) my house is the only one in a band higher than the others, (the others are all in the same band, 1 below mine). There has been very few historic sales of any of the properties.

My question is, Do the VOA automatically reassess the banding each time a property is sold? Therefore this would be the first time this property has been sold so first reassessment?

If they don't then should I appeal it? I don't want to be responsible for my new neighbours tax going up if it is theirs that is wrong.

Thanks

lincroft1710

No, the VOA would only reassess if your seller had extended or improved the property during that part of their ownership after 1 Apr 1993.

You would therefore have to appeal the band. But do check (as far as is possible) that there is nothing which would cause your home to be in a higher band. The probability (not certainty) is that your house could be in the wrong band.

SouthernGuy

Thanks, As far as I can tell, apart from general decorating and replacement windows etc there has been no extensions or modifications to the property since it was built.

Buzby

There may be a good reason for the difference. When researching and looking at singular anomalies is was invariably due to anything from larger gardens like increased sqm on the ground, even before you took into account garages, extensions or conservatories.

Sometimes querying can open a can of worms - but as the original owner might be able to explain is the least destructive option!

dancingfairy

I think Martin has written an article on this and the things to consider and the pitfalls. Might be worth having a look at that?
df

SouthernGuy

Just a quick update.

It wasn't automatically reassessed but I contacted them and challenged the band and have succeeded in getting the band reduced :j:j:j

Many thanks all :-)