How is my property valued?

Your property is in one of eight valuation bands according to its market value as at 1 April 1991.

The valuation was decided by the Valuation Officer of HM Revenues & Customs and the band for your property is shown in your bill. The amount of Council Tax you pay depends on the valuation band your property is in.

Current valuation banding (PDF, 25Kb)

How can I find my banding?

To find your banding you can visit the valuation offices website at
 
www.voa.gov.uk (External Site)

Who Determines What The Band Of My Property Should Be?

The Valuation Office is part of HM Revenues & Customs and the Listing Officer decides what the value of a property is.
The Valuation Office is completely independent from us. It is their responsibility to ensure that the council tax valuation list is kept accurate and up to date. They also decide whether a dwelling should be on the council tax list or non domestic rates list.

Why Is My Next Door Neighbour’s Band Different to Mine?

If the properties are identical, they should be in the same band, but if there are differences, for example one of them has an extension this could account for the difference. The ranges of values in the bands are quite wide.
If you believe the band of your property is wrong you may appeal against it to the Listing Officer at the Ipswich Valuation Office.
Information on making an appeal can be found on the Valuation Office Agency website at www.voa.gov.uk (External site)

How can I appeal against my banding?

The council does not decide the bandings.

All enquiries and appeals about valuation and banding must be made to:
The Listing Officer
St Clare’s House
Greyfriars
Ipswich
Suffolk
IP1 1LR
Tel: 03000 506030

I Have Appealed Against The Band Of My Property, Do I Still Have To Pay?

Yes. Council tax is payable on the basis that the property currently appears on the council tax valuation list and you remain liable to pay the amount you have been billed until the property's band value is altered or removed.
If the value is reduced, any overpayment will be refunded or credited against a future bill.
Please note that if you don't pay, your account will be subject to recovery action.

I Am Building An Extension To My Property. Will My Charge Increase?

Currently, if you build an extension, your charge will not increase. The higher band (if applicable) will come into effect on a change of ownership of the property, or when the Valuation Office reassesses the bandings of all properties on the council tax valuation list.
If there is a change of ownership, the new owners will be responsible for the higher charge.

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