I’m looking for examples of VOA rateable values for single holiday lets or your thoughts/experience with these.

I will then weigh up whether to apply for Non Domestic Rates or whether to stick with Council Tax.

My property (for context):

• 3-bed, central location (Cambridge)
• ~£52k turnover last financial year
• ~74% occupancy

Please could I have your thoughts on likely Rateable Value?

It would be great if you could share:

• Your RV vs turnover/occupancy
• Whether you qualified for Small Business Rate Relief
• Any experience challenging the valuation

A concern I have is that Small Business Rate Relief threshold has remained the same since 2017.

Particularly interested in thoughts single units in strong markets. Thank you!

We are finding that people are booking up a lot later which has led us to reducing prices in order to attract guests.

Are others experiencing the same, or are you managing to hold your nerve and hope you property will get a late booking at full price?

Philip and Louise Trotter, who own 18 holiday cottages in converted stables, estimate they will need to spend up to £270,000 — £15,000 per property — to comply. Their experience is echoed by others in the sector, with one owner calling EPCs “the biggest threat” to holiday letting, surpassing both fire regulations and tax changes.

The move stems from Labour’s commitment to net zero, with homes — including holiday lets — expected to meet EPC grade C. Ministers argue this will tackle Britain’s notoriously inefficient housing stock, which contributes around 40% of national CO₂ emissions.

Yet, owners of older buildings — especially listed or solid-wall properties — warn that upgrades are disproportionately expensive and technically challenging. Many question whether it makes sense to invest tens of thousands of pounds to improve homes that are largely occupied in summer months, when heating is seldom used.

Alistair Handyside, from the Professional Association of Self-Caterers, said: “You’re forcing people to spend money and potentially harming microbusinesses for very little environmental gain.”

While we support moves to improve housing standards and energy efficiency, it is clear the policy must consider the unique circumstances of holiday lets — particularly those in heritage and rural settings.

Is anyone using any promotional websites that are working?  Please share.

Tried https://www.independentcottages.co.uk  with not much fun.

Cheers

MB

My question relates to the best course of action...Do I have to apply for business rates?  Does it make sense to given recent changes? Do business rates typically turn out to be cheaper?  Other landlord forums report issues with water and refuse services when the change takes place - this is not our experience with our established FHL.  I was under the impression it was a 'no brainer' given the second home increases some are experiencing but I've now read so much contradictory advice I'm totally confused.

The answer to this is "YES". This is a real potential bonus for the owners of furnished holiday lets because it means if the date of first let is within the 24/25 tax year it has the opportunity to qualify by taking account of lettings and availability beyond the end of the 24/25 tax year. This means capital allowances may then be claimed and included in your 24/25 tax return. Even more good news is that your 24/25 personal tax return which has to be filed by 31st January 2026 actually stays open for amendment until  31st January 2027. So if you are reading this before that date and think you might be entitled to make a capital allowances claim you may still be in time to do so. I hope this is not counted as self promotion but I thought it important that the owners of furnished holiday lets were aware of this.

I should also mention that any capital allowances and any losses may be carried forward beyond the April 2025 deadline into future tax years.

Thank you.