VOA council tax band possible increase?

AdrianC

simbasheen wrote: »

Thank you for your advice, my property wasn't built until 1995.

So the 1991 value is calculated by backdating the 1995 value (which they have) according to price rises for similar properties in your area between '91 and '95.

lincroft1710

Are there any prices and total house sizes with the comparables?

AdrianC

lincroft1710 wrote: »

Are there any prices and total house sizes with the comparables?

There were with ours, yes.

lincroft1710

I was wondering about simbasheen's.

simbasheen

lincroft1710 wrote: »

Are there any prices and total house sizes with the comparables?

Thanks for asking. Do you mean square metres or 4 bed 2 bathroom, in the estate which is a typical mix of housing. Most of the houses that are 4 bed 2 bathrooms are a similar size to mine, including some larger which are still Band D. There are a small number of Band E houses, but they appear to have considerable extensions in comparison to mine.

lincroft1710

Square metres, the VOA should have provided square metres, sale prices and dates.

simbasheen

lincroft1710 wrote: »

Square metres, the VOA should have provided square metres, sale prices and dates.

They have just provided the addresses of houses and stated that they are comparable to mine and in Band D, do think it may be worth me asking for the square metres of these properties so I can make an accurate measurement and comparison to mine?

lincroft1710

simbasheen wrote: »

do think it may be worth me asking for the square metres of these properties so I can make an accurate measurement and comparison to mine?

Yes and any sales info on these houses.

115vaw

lincroft1710 wrote: »

If you mean they cannot change their mind and increase to a Band C, they in fact can do this. The VOA has the legal right to alter a CT band at any time if they believe it is incorrect.

Can anyone tell me where this fact is stated? I can't find anything on the VOA website that says they can do this - only things to the contrary about rebanding on sale after improvements.

We have had a letter telling us they are reviewing our band and want to come and inspect our house. We have lived here 12 years and have made no significant improvements (other than internal decor). Why would they be rebanding us now and how can it be allowed if other properties on the street have had major improvements (eg extensions) are either marked with the improvement indicator or have no mark at all?

And, does anyone know, is the valuation subjective?

Thanks in advance.

AdrianC

115vaw wrote: »

And, does anyone know, is the valuation subjective?

Since the bands are based on nominal equivalent April 1991 values of the house as it sits today, they can't really be anything but.

However, the subjectivity is reduced as much as possible by using objective comparisons to other properties within the area, as well as known price increase data and access to planning records.

So, yes, it's got a subjective element, but it's also as objective as it's possible to be.