FAQs and Support
Below you will find answers to the most commonly asked questions about NI Reval2026. If you can still not find the information you are looking for, please refer to the section titled ‘Further support’
Background to Reval2026
What is Reval2026?
A revaluation is the process by which rateable values are brought into line with property rental values at the valuation date. Reval2026 will revalue all business properties in Northern Ireland for rates,
Why are Land & Property Services (LPS) doing this?
Revaluations form part of the normal cycle of a property-based business rates system. In January 2024 the Finance minister announced a Revaluation of around 75,000 non-domestic properties, delivering on his commitment for more frequent revaluations here. This ensures that business rates stay up to date and reflect local economic changes by distributing rate liability fairly across all sectors in line with changes in rental values.
When was the last revaluation?
Last Revaluation was in 2023 and is based on October 2021 rental values. Following Reval2026, the rateable value of all business properties will be in line with 1st April 2024 rental values. Rate bills will be issued from 1st April 2026 and will be based on Reval2026 valuations.
What information have LPS based their valuations on?
From April 2024 LPS issued Rent and lease Questionnaires (RALQs) to the occupiers of most non-domestic properties, which requested lease and rent details. In some cases, LPS requested information on trading and accounts from pubs, hotels, caravan sites, quarries, B&Bs. The rental information provided has been reviewed and analysed to produce new rateable values.
What is the valuation date for Reval2026?
NIReval 2026 based on levels as of 1st April 2024, a date which was set by legislation. That is why LPS contacted ratepayers from April 2024 asking for rent and lease information.
Impact on rate bills
What impact will the revaluation have on my rate bill?
It is too early to say what the impact will be on individual rate bills. The valuation details are only one part of the rate bill calculation. The other parts are the regional rate (set by Northern Ireland Executive), and the district rate (set by the district council where the property is located). We will not know what the district and regional rates are until February 2026 at the earliest.
Is the change in my property valuation the same as the change in my rate bill?
No. The valuation details presented in the draft schedule is not your rate bill. The amount due on an actual rate bill will not be clear until later in 2026 when the district councils and the Northern Ireland Executive publish the district and regional rates.
How is my rate bill calculated?
For further information on how rate bills are calculated visit NI Business Info: How business rates are calculated
Will LPS be collecting more money through rates as a result of NI Reval2026?
The total amount of money to be raised through rates does not change as a result of the revaluation exercise. The revaluation exercise is about redistributing the same rate burden using up to date property values. A revaluation is not about collecting more money or less money from businesses, it is about ensuring that everyone pays their fair share.
What help is available to those struggling to pay their rate bill?
There are a number of reliefs available to business ratepayers, more information is available at NI Business Info: Help available for business rates
Impact on rate reliefs
Will the revaluation affect my relief?
Revaluation will not in itself impact on the structure of any of the existing reliefs for business ratepayers. This includes Industrial Derating, Sport and Recreation relief, and Exemption from rates. However, the amount of relief you receive may change if your valuation details change.
Will the revaluation affect Small Business Rate Relief too?
If you are in receipt of Small Business Rate Relief and your Net Annual Value (NAV) has changed, this may impact on the relief you receive if the scheme is extended into 2026. See NI Business Info: Small Business Rate Relief for further details on how the relief is awarded.
Understanding your draft valuation
The valuation shown in the draft schedule is not your rate bill. The amount shown is an estimate of what your property could reasonably have let for in April 2024. This applies even if you own your property, or if it is vacant.
The percentage (%) change figure shown is the change in the valuation, not the change in your rate bill.
LPS has released this schedule of draft values early to give you the opportunity to review the draft value for your property. When reviewing the draft value for your property, you should ask yourself the following:
- Could my property have let for this amount in April 2024?
- What are other similar properties around me valued at?
- Is my value in line with other similar properties?
I want to discuss my valuation
How do I contact LPS about my valuation query?
If you think we hold incorrect data or survey details, the easiest way to contact us is via email on: nireval2026@finance-ni.gov.uk or telephone us on 0300 200 7801. You must supply supporting information and evidence as to how the information we hold is incorrect.
There are physical changes to my property that have not been taken into consideration. How do I inform LPS of this?
If there has been a physical change to your property that you think has not been taken into consideration during the revaluation process, you need to apply to have the current valuation of your property reviewed.
Further information about this is along with the application form is available at NI Business Info: Property changes and business rates.
Further support
For general enquiries about Reval 2026 – email us on nireval2026@finance-ni.gov.uk or call 0300 200 7801. For more information, please visit NIREVAL webpage