Rating Cold Callers: Another Cautionary Tale

At MUA we are often asked by clients why it is necessary for us to inspect properties? Sometimes a client will even propose a lower fee, if the property is not inspected.

We inspect for two main reasons: to pick up any changes in the area since our last visit but mainly to make sure we are familiar with the assessment. We do not make appeals until we have compared our valuation with the rating list.

We hear stories of some companies contacting ratepayers who have not made appeals to sell their rating service. They then make an appeal as soon as they win an instruction, perhaps as a way of binding the client to them. If, once they actually look at the assessment, they decide it is correct or under assessed they quietly withdraw their appeal. As we have said before this is a dangerous route to take.

The Daily Telegraph has reported that an appeal against a £27,000 RV prompted the VOA to inspect a property and change the method of valuation. This resulted in an increase to £325,000RV. Of course the company involved has said it is not responsible for the increase in rates. Have a look at the decision and make up your own mind.