Council tax band revaluation problems

caufield88uk

Hi folks. 

Not sure if this is the right place to post this but looking at the rest of the categories I couldn't find one better to place my question in. 


I'm in Scotland, Aberdeen to be exact. 

I just recently moved into a new rented property and was told it was council tax band D.  Upon moving in and doing a bit of research on here and using zoopla and nationwide house price calculator, I calculated that according to recent house price sales for the last 4 5 years I should be in band c and going on the most recent in the last year it would put me into band B.

So I applied for revaluation, the valuation board sent someone out who checked some dimensions to make sure they were correct as per the plan of house, this lasted 5 minutes. Then they went straight into the spiel why they don't think it should be revalued down to c or below. 

They state that the nationwide calculator and this websites advice are wrong and you cannot use these to revalue the house.   They only go on similar properties in areas close by.  The issue was the areas the valuer used were areas that are either within walking distance into the city centre or one of the nicest areas in Aberdeen.  These 2 areas have no relevance to my area, and they completely glossed over the fact that flats in my building sold recently 3 months ago for & 99k yet one of the areas they are comparing it to sold recently for £220k.   That doesn't sound like the correct criteria to use.    They also said they don't take into account local amenities when they do council tax.


They said my next step would be to wait for their decision letter then appeal it and I'd need to provide evidence to a committee.

My question is this.   Are what they saying correct or have they just done it to suit themselves so as not to have to power the banding.   How would you advise me to get evidence for this next stage when I do appeal it. 

Thanks 

Hasbeen

Recent house price sales have no relation to council tax that was decided at the time it was categorised.
Some info here re your Coubcim tax? https://www.moneysavingexpert.com/reclaim/council-tax-bands-change/

lincroft1710

What they are saying about Zoopla and NW is correct, both are unreliable, Zoopla especially. Amenities in an area (whatever they may be) would be reflected in property prices, but what was there 30 yrs ago might not be there today and vice versa. Also they tend not to have a great effect on property prices.
  . 
I am not sure if you live in a house or a flat as you refer to both. I can only suggest you look for properties nearby of a similar type and size as yours in Bands B and C.

tboo

caufield88uk said:

Hi folks. 

Not sure if this is the right place to post this but looking at the rest of the categories I couldn't find one better to place my question in. 


I'm in Scotland, Aberdeen to be exact. 

I just recently moved into a new rented property and was told it was council tax band D.  Upon moving in and doing a bit of research on here and using zoopla and nationwide house price calculator, I calculated that according to recent house price sales for the last 4 5 years I should be in band c and going on the most recent in the last year it would put me into band B.

So I applied for revaluation, the valuation board sent someone out who checked some dimensions to make sure they were correct as per the plan of house, this lasted 5 minutes. Then they went straight into the spiel why they don't think it should be revalued down to c or below. 

They state that the nationwide calculator and this websites advice are wrong and you cannot use these to revalue the house.   They only go on similar properties in areas close by.  The issue was the areas the valuer used were areas that are either within walking distance into the city centre or one of the nicest areas in Aberdeen.  These 2 areas have no relevance to my area, and they completely glossed over the fact that flats in my building sold recently 3 months ago for & 99k yet one of the areas they are comparing it to sold recently for £220k.   That doesn't sound like the correct criteria to use.    They also said they don't take into account local amenities when they do council tax.


They said my next step would be to wait for their decision letter then appeal it and I'd need to provide evidence to a committee.

My question is this.   Are what they saying correct or have they just done it to suit themselves so as not to have to power the banding.   How would you advise me to get evidence for this next stage when I do appeal it. 

Thanks 

Is your landlord aware that you are challenging the council tax banding?